Anxiety and depression after a heart attack - Trinity Health

Anxiety and Depression After a Heart Attack

Depression and anxiety following a heart attack are very common. People who survive a heart attack or other serious heart condition are often initially grateful just to be alive. But, after a brush with death, emotions can turn to fear, worry, and sadness.

Some people worry that they will have another heart a ack or episode. Some become so tuned into their physical sensa ons and pains that they spend their days immobilized, afraid that any physical ac vity will cause another medical episode. For some, depression sets in. With li le energy, they lack the mo-

va on to follow through with the recommenda ons their healthcare providers have given them.

It is normal to experience some sadness and worry a er being diagnosed with a serious medical condi on. Most people bounce back quickly, but studies show that many con nue to struggle in the days and weeks that follow.

It is estimated that as many as 30% of patients report feeling anxious or depressed after a

heart attack or heart surgery.

Untreated depression and anxiety coupled with heart disease can be a dangerous combina on. Untreated anxiety heightens the risk of death by increasing the ac vity of the sympathe c nervous system that controls blood pressure and impacts body func ons like the ability to sleep or relax. Untreated depression can trigger the release of stress hormones that elevate heart rate and blood pressure and disrupt the heart's rhythm, increasing the risk of another heart a ack. Recent studies suggest that those with untreated major depression following a heart a ack are nearly six mes more likely to die within six months a er the event compared to those without depression. Depression can impede one's ability to follow through with the lifestyle changes like exercising, ea ng well, and cu ng back on smoking that are cri cal to a full recovery.

The good news is that anxiety and depression are treatable. Those who have had a heart a ack need to know that there are ways to reduce the worry and sadness a er the medical crisis has subsided. It is important for pa ents and concerned family members or friends to remember some key points:

Follow the advice of healthcare providers regarding medical and lifestyle recommenda ons. If a cardiac rehabilita on program has been recommended, follow through. These programs can help promote heart health as well as overall emo onal health.

Learn about the medical illness and expected recovery process. This helps reduce worry about the unknown, which can trigger unrealis c fears about medical complica ons or death.

Prac ce good stress management. Make relaxa on, healthy ea ng, regular sleep schedules, and exercise a part of a daily rou ne.

Learn to recognize when anxiety and depression have taken hold. When emo onal distress interferes with your sleeping and ea ng, and hinders your ability to perform daily tasks like bathing, going to medical appointments, or ge ng back to work, it is me to get help.

Seek help from a primary care physician or mental health provider if feelings of depression and anxiety persist. Remember that these illnesses are very treatable. In many cases, short-term talk therapy can be effec ve. For some, medica on can also help relieve the troubling feelings so you can get back to leading a healthy, sa sfying life.

For more informa on about overcoming depression and anxiety a er a heart a ack, contact your healthcare provider or Carebridge.

Copyright 2015 Carebridge Corporation All rights reserved.

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