Depression 9474 How Depression Hurts Your Heart
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Depression: How It Affects Your Heart
Summary
Feeling down isn't just about emotions?"it can also impact your heart. Persistent feelings of depression, anxiety, or anger can elevate the risk of heart disease or worsen existing conditions. As Richard Stein, M.D., of Beth Israel Medical Center notes, these psychosocial factors are significant predictors of heart disease, comparable to high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure.The Connection Between Mood and Heart Health
Your emotional state can affect your heart in multiple ways. People experiencing negative emotions often neglect healthy habits like proper nutrition, exercise, quitting smoking, or adhering to medication. But there's more: feelings of depression and anxiety can directly influence heart rhythms, raise blood pressure, and increase blood-clotting factors.
According to Edward Suarez, Ph.D., at Duke University, stress hormones like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol, which surge during bouts of depression or anger, can heighten heart disease risk factors, such as inflammation and insulin resistance.
Elevated blood pressure is another significant link. When stressed or angry, some people experience spikes in blood pressure, a risk factor for atherosclerosis?"the primary cause of heart attacks. Richard Jennings, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, explains that such spikes can damage blood vessel walls, leading to plaque buildup.
Ways to Improve Mental and Heart Health
Addressing negative emotions is crucial not only for emotional well-being but also for heart health. Dr. Stein emphasizes that treating emotional burdens can enhance overall health. A study from Stanford University found that heart attack patients treated for depression had a significantly reduced risk of death over the following two and a half years.
If negative emotions persist, consult your doctor about possible treatments such as psychotherapy, stress or anger management programs, or antidepressants. Dr. Stein advises that while primary care doctors might not recognize these issues, discussing them is essential for comprehensive care.
Four Strategies to Boost Your Mood
1. Exercise: Engage in 30 to 45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily. It's not only beneficial for your heart but also helps alleviate and prevent depression.
2. Eat Fish: Consume Omega-3 rich seafood at least twice a week. This diet is heart-healthy and can lift your mood, according to preliminary studies.
3. Socialize: A strong support network and active social life can buffer against the physiological effects of negative emotions.
4. Laugh More: Enjoy comedy and laughter. According to Michael Miller, M.D., at the University of Maryland, laughing regularly promotes healthier blood vessel function.
Improving both mental and heart health can take time, but the effort leads to feeling better overall.
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Sources: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Circulation, Journal of the American Medical Association, Psychosomatic Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
Writer: Stacey Colino, MDminute: Heart, Issue 1, 2007
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