The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of an antidepressive medication (Escitalopram), started preoperatively and given during 6 months, on 6-month and 1 year post-operative morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting

Depression is known to have an adverse effect on post-operative mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac surgery is known to cause transient depression in patients. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized study is to determine the effect of an antidepressive medication (Escitalopram), started preoperatively and given during 6 months, on 6-month and 1 year post-operative morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting. Treatment is given from 21 to 15 days pre-operatively until the 6th post-operative month. Morbidity as defined by the STS database as well as mortality is checked during 1 year.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery
• > 30 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contra-indication to antidepressive treatment
• Already treated by antidepressive treatment
• Concomitant cardiac surgery as valve replacement etc.
• Patients having anticoagulation therapy
• Pregnant women
• Hepatic insufficiency