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complications. Many health professionals now believe that people with acute coronary syndrome or those recovering from a heart attack, a stroke or heart surgery should routinely be screened for depression. The good news is that easing symptoms of depression seems to reduce a patient’s chance of having a heart attack or a stroke or of developing heart failure. In some cases, it reduces the risk to the same level as what would be expected among those who were not depressed, a recent study found. Depression is treatable.
The Impact of Depression While there’s no definitive answer as to what’s behind the link between depression and heart disease, what is known is that depression can affect your ability to manage your heart condition. Research also suggests depression can promote inflammation and other changes in the body that can harm the cardiovascular system. Behaviors often linked to depression may partly explain its effect on heart disease or worsening health. People who are depressed are more likely to skip exercise, overeat or turn to comfort or convenient foods, develop diabetes and gain weight. They may be more anxious, which can increase the chance of abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure. They may try to relieve stress on their own through alcohol use or smoking, and may fail to take their medicine as directed. Changes can occur in the body that may also impact
heart health. For example, people with depression and heart disease are less likely to keep their blood pressure under control. People who have clinical depression also tend to have
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more inflammation and release fight-or-flight — or stress — hormones. Among people with heart disease, this can speed up the narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). There is also some evidence that people with depression may have sticky red blood cells that can clump together to form clots, making a heart attack more likely.
Treatment Options There are effective treatments, and you don’t have to go it alone. For mild depression, getting regular exercise and renewing your interest in activities that you enjoy may be enough. So, as much as you might dread the thought of lacing up your sneakers, do it. Exercise can boost your mood and make you feel physically stronger, too. If you are recovering from a heart event or surgery, talk with your provider before you start exercising and ask about cardiac rehabilitation. It’s also important to teach yourself about your condition and lean on trusted friends and family for support. Try not to withdraw or cut yourself off from others. Don’t forget that a good crying session or sharing your fears can do wonders.
Other Therapies The following are often used in combination. Counseling. Talking through your feelings with a psychologist or a counselor can help shift your thought patterns, including your response to heart disease or other challenges, in a more positive direction. It can also help you find ways to cope that can boost your confidence to better manage your condition. It’s also a safe place to vent or celebrate successes.
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