Dealing with Depression after a Heart Attack is crucial - Says the Cardiologists in Orange County

Modern research shows a physiological connection between heart health and mental health. According to the cardiologists and researchers stress and anxiety can typically elevate the stress hormones and thus can impact your heart rate and blood pressure. Talk to the cardiologists for complete heart health and to deal with your depression after a heart attack.

Yes, depression, anxiety, stress and coronary heart disease (CHD) are common conditions and often occur together.

In fact for years researchers and doctors thought that the link between heart health and mental health was purely behavioral. However that thinking has started to change. Modern research shows a physiological connection between heart health and mental health. Simply put; the chemical and the biological factors that trigger the psychological issues also have an enormous influence on heart health.

The Link between Stress and Heart Health

Now there are evidences to show that as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking, depression can also be a risk factor for heart diseases. In fact stress, anxiety and depression can affect the recovery of people after a heart attack and thus increase their risk of future heart attacks and further heart problems.

Although research does not firmly link stress and heart health however the growing belief is that - stress, depression, anxiety are the additional risk factors  and are even more dangerous than the established risk factors.

According to the cardiologists and researchers stress and anxiety can typically elevate the hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and thus can impact your heart rate and blood pressure

Depression after a heart attack is common

Statistical data shows

• ·        15% of heart attack survivors become seriously depressed in the first few weeks
• ·        Another 25% experience milder levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms
• ·        4 in 10 patients do experience quite severe emotional responses

(Data Source: bhf.org.uk)

Emotional disorder is common after an attack. Like any other brush with death, heart attack can unleash intense negative emotion. Survivors often feel stressed, depressed, confused and nervous. Unfortunately many slip into the abyss of depression. You may go through a range of negative emotions such as depression, fear, anger and loneliness.

Although feeling bleak may seem natural after an attack however depression is something which should not be taken lightly. When left untreated depression can simply hasten death

How common is depression after a coronary attack?

The answer is simple - Very common.

• ·        20% of all heart attack survivors suffer from major depression
• ·        Another 20% suffer from mild to moderate depression
• ·        Every 1 out of 3 long-term heart attack survivors slip into chronic depression

How dangerous is depression for heart health?

For heart patients depression can be deadly. Statistical data reveals shocking facts –

• ·        Majorly depressed heart patients are more likely to die within 6  months of a heart attack
• ·        Depressed heart patients are more likely to suffer future heart attacks

Still the question remains unanswered – why depression and heart disease is such a dangerous cocktail?

Well; the answer to the question however lies in the body's own natural reaction to anxiety and stress. Depression can trigger the release of stress hormones. These hormones in turn increase the heart rate, increase the blood pressure and thus disrupt the heart rhythm and damage the heart muscle. Research has also revealed that these hormones can also expedite the process of building up fatty plaques in the arteries, thus setting the perfect stage for future attacks.

Depression also sap the survivor’s will to live and to fight heart disease. A study reported in the “Archives of Internal Medicine” revealed –

A depressed heart patient is more reluctant to give up smoking, drinking and eating a low fat diet and in following doctor’s advice than a non depressed heart patient.

How can you actually protect yourself from depression?

You should know the signs and symptoms of depression to best protect yourself and your loved one from it.

National Institute of Mental Health says that it can be called depression if a person has at least any 5 signs from the following signs and symptoms for 2 weeks.

• ·        Frequently feeling sad and empty
• ·        Loss of interest in all activities
• ·        Unhealthy eating and sleeping patterns
• ·        Unnecessary crying
• ·        Thoughts of death
• ·        Fatigue
• ·        Difficulty in concentrating
• ·        Difficulty in remembering
• ·        Feeling helpless
• ·        Feeling worthless
• ·        Irritability
• ·        Unexplained pains and aches

Seek help right away if you think you or your loved one is suffering from depression after a heart attack.

Talk to the cardiologists in Orange County for complete heart health and to deal with your depression after a heart attack. You may even join a support group for heart attack survivors to talk with people and help each other.

Play your part well to fight with stress and depression. Daily walks are certainly a good exercise to start with. Walking is always enjoyable and it may improve your mood, increase your energy level and give you some strength to fight with your heart disease.