Depression & Anxiety May Worsen Heart Problems
A study In the January 2008 edition of the General Archives of Psychiatry found a link between coronary artery disease and depression/anxiety. Essentially, researchers discovered that patients with heart disease who were not depressed or anxious had a 13% chance of having a repeated cardiac event within two years. But, patients with heart disease who were either depressed or anxious had a 26% chance of a cardiac event in that same two-year time period.
It cannot be concluded from this article that depression and anxiety cause heart attacks. But, it is certainly concerning that mental conditions are linked in some way to continued heart problems.
If you have coronary artery disease and you suspect you might be depressed or anxious, I recommend you speak with your doctor about it. It is not known if lowering your depression/anxiety will lower your chances of another heart attack, but it certainly can’t hurt to ask. And, if you are less depressed or anxious, you are more likely to get real enjoyment out of life, something your mental condition may be limiting right now.
Thanks for reading– Max Wachtel, Ph.D. (www.cherrycreekpsychology.com; maxwachtel@cherrycreekpsychology.com)
