Role Of Exercise In Depression Scholarly Journal Depression is a common co-morbidity in Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) with a high aggregated prevalence, ranging from 26% in men to 33% in women. The presence of depression has been associated with poor quality of life, increased morbidity, rate of hospitalizations and mortality in CHF population. According to some studies, regular exercise works as well as medication for some people to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the effects can be long lasting. One vigorous exercise session can help alleviate symptoms for hours, and a regular schedule may significantly reduce them over time.