We frequently talk about the importance of treating depression and depression prevention. Here’s another reason to get help now.
As many as 1 out of every 3 people who have a heart attack report feelings of depression. Women, people who have had depression before, and people who feel alone and without social or emotional support are at a higher risk of depression after a heart attack.
If you have major depression and have had a heart attack, you’re at a much higher risk to die of a heart attack. Although this is very sobering, you need to know the facts. We know that chemicals in our brain are not in proper balance when depressed. When people suffer from depression, they are not as likely to take care of themselves properly. People don’t eat right and commonly don’t exercise. Sleep is usually disturbed in some way, too.
Anxiety increases heart patients’ likelihood of suffering a heart attack, stroke or heart failure. ¬†The link between anxiety and such events can’t be explained by health behaviors like smoking, severity of disease or biological factors such as hormone levels or heart rate.
So if you have depression and heart disease, pay extra attention to your physical and mental health. Don’t put off asking for help with depression and heart attack symptoms. You and your body deserve it!