Proven Link Between Heart Attacks And Depression

Written by Greg

There was a report that hit the ‘net yesterday, and ended up being picked up by a lot of news agencies.  The results of a study by the American Heart Association concluded that there is a link between heart attack and depression.  The risk of depression among heart attack victims exceeds that of the general populace.  The authors stated that the risk was three times that of the average American.  The increased risk was not limited to heart attacks, but victims of many heart-related ailments, including:  unstable angina, angioplasty, cardiac bypass, etc.  They recommend screening patients for depression.

Heart attack, depression link not surprising

The results of this study probably aren’t a huge surprise to anyone who has lost their independence for a period of time.  Individuals who suffer such a traumatic injury are limited in their ability to get out and engage in normal daily activities.  The simple act of caring for yourself can become a daunting task.  I’ve been through two surgeries, and I know how they impacted me emotionally.  Personal independence is something most of us generally take for granted.  When you lose that independence, either by circumstance or choice, it cuts us in a way that is almost unimaginable.

The link between heart attacks and depression has been known to exist for some time.  This 2005 report by FoxNews discusses the link between heart attack and depression, stating that doctors are reluctant to treat depression in heart attack patients with SSRI’s for fear of making their heart condition worse.  HealthyPlace.com has suggestions for how to cope with the feelings of depression or anxiety.

My experience with lost independence

As I said, I’ve been through two major surgeries.  One was on my hand, the other on my knee.  In both cases, I was faced with lost mobility, and being dependent upon others for a period of time.  For someone prides themselves on self reliance, that’s a tough pill to swallow.  It left me feeling angry and resentful.  It was irrational, but I couldn’t help those feelings.  Fortunately, I’m blessed with friends and family that were understanding enough to look past my behavior.

My wife tells me now that it was a near thing though…

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Tags: american heart association, feelings of depression, heart attack patients, heart attacks, personal independence, traumatic injury

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