Early screening of depressive symptoms in a patient that is beginning a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program may provide an opportunity for ongoing assessment and support. Identifying depression in cardiac patients may benefit both the physical and mental health and prevent worsening of cardiac disease. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic characteristics that may be related to the mental health status of cardiac patients, and to examine the effect of participation in CR on

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... l health. A retrospective review of data from patients who participated in a CR program between 2008-2010 was evaluated. Demographic data, including age, gender, cardiac diagnosis or intervention were used to describe the sample and then analyzed for an association with a low MCS score (< 45), which may indicate depression. Pre and post cardiac rehabilitation MCS scores were analyzed for statistically significant differences. No statistically significant association was identified between a low MCS score and the demographic factors analyzed. There was a statistically significant increase in MCS scores in patients that had completed the 12-week CR program (MMCS Pretest = 51.25, SD = 10.15; MMCS Posttest = 53.79, SD = 8.48; t(214) = -3.87, p < .001). The MCS score calculated from the SF12 may provide additional data for identifying patients at risk for depression in a cardiac population. Careful assessment for mental health problems as well as participation in a CR program may make a difference in mental health status, and may have a positive impact on clinical outcomes for this group.