Therefore, it is vitally important that patients who have had cardiac events be watched for symptoms of depression and, if necessary, treated. Letting patients know about the risk is also important so they can know to be observant of any symptoms. This may be difficult for a person who has lived his or her life without any depression and is unfamiliar with the symptoms. Going over typical depression symptoms with them is a good idea.
A heart attack is a major life stressor as are its after effects. A patient may have limited physical capacity, be facing a new diagnosis, and looking at his or her own mortality, in addition to other changes. Researchers are not exactly clear, however, on why having depression puts a person at higher risk for heart disease, but they are clear that the risk exists.
Depression Can Contribute to Heart Disease
People who suffer from depression can be less motivated to do the things they need to do to maintain heart health such as exercise, eat healthy foods, and maintain a general positive attitude. In addition, people who have a good sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy believe that their actions can impact their outcomes and are more likely to adhere to healthy routines.
However, it is not only the physical behaviors of people with depression that can contribute to heart disease. It could be physiological. Some research has shown that people with depression take longer to recover and get their heart rates down after exercise, suggesting that the altered fight or flight response in someone with depression is physiologically different.
Patients with depression need to understand the importance of treatment on not only their emotional and mental states, but their physical health as well. At the same time, patients with heart disease must learn the signs and symptoms of depression.
This month, as the country promotes heart health, let’s make sure the relationship between mental and heart disease is highlighted, too. Let your community know about this link and suggest they take a free and anonymous mental health screening at your website or at www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org.