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More Than the Blues
Managing depression for your heart’s sake
It’s normal to feel sad from time to time. Life isn’t always simple or easy to predict. And when you’re faced with life- changing events — such as an illness, a death in the family, the loss of a job, a divorce or other unexpected situations — allowing yourself time to grieve or express your feelings can be healthy.
In the same way, if you or a loved one is diagnosed with
heart disease or is recovering from a heart attack, a stroke, heart surgery or a stay in the hospital, you may find yourself flooded with anxiety and sadness. You might also worry about your future health and how your life will change. While it can take time to come to terms with a diagnosis, if such feelings linger beyond a couple of weeks or months, pay attention. You (or your loved one) may have depression. It’s important to speak up and get help. Treating depression can improve the health of your mind and body. And given that research continues to link depression and heart troubles, it may prove to be good for your heart, too.
Depression & Heart Health Depression and heart disease are two common health conditions affecting adults in the U.S., and it appears they are closely related. In many cases, they go hand-in-hand. It can be difficult to know which came first. Research suggests that depression or stress may be as
big a risk factor for cardiovascular disease as smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. People who are depressed also tend to develop heart disease at higher rates than those who aren’t depressed. Depression can also increase the chance of someone having a heart attack or having a stroke. At the same time, people with heart disease or who are
recovering from a heart attack or a cardiac procedure are at greater risk of becoming depressed. For those with heart disease, depression is harmful not only because of the distress it causes, but research finds that being depressed also puts them at risk of future heart problems, including having another heart attack. It can also delay recovery from heart surgery. When compared to those without depression, people with heart disease and depression tend to have more health
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