Psychological symptoms are common in patients with heart disease. Objective of this study was to analyse the effects of somatic factors on anxiety and depression in hospitalised patients with heart failure. We examined 150 patients by short-term interview and standardized questionaire (HADS-D) and performed a written survey 3 months later. In 47% of the patients signs of anxiety and in 30% signs of depression were present. Increased heart failures severity was associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. 3 months after hospital discharge the percentage of patients who reported symptoms of anxiety had decreased, the percentage of depressive female patients had increased. The course of anxiety and depression was not affected by cardiologic treatment. Patients with severe signs of anxiety and/or depression should receive specific diagnostics and therapy.