February is American Heart Month
Depression and Heart Disease
Depression can affect anyone. However, research has shown that people with heart disease are more likely to suffer from
depression than otherwise healthy people. For example, while about 1 in 20 American adults experience major depression
in a given year, the number goes to about one in three for people who have survived a heart attack. 1
In addition, depression may inhibit recovery or even increase the likelihood of death after a heart attack. In fact, researchers
found that heart patients who were depressed were four times as likely to die in the next six months as those who were not
depressed. 1
What it Means
Sometimes people assume it is natural to be depressed during an illness. While it is true that being in pain or missing
engaging in activities once enjoyed would bring anyone down, signs of clinical depression should not be overlooked.
Depression may make it more difficult to follow medical advice, including taking medications, needed for the treatment of
heart disease. Therefore, the treatment of depression can help manage both diseases.
What to Look For
It is perfectly understandable for people to feel down or sad during an illness,
without it necessarily meaning they are suffering clinical depression. Common
depression warning signs to watch for include:
Sadness or feelings of emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in daily life or activities previously enjoyed
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Recurring aches and pains that seem to have no physical cause
• Excessive weight loss or gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide
•
UBH is here to help. If you or someone you know is experiencing some of these
symptoms for two weeks or longer, you should seek help from a professional.
1 National Institute of Mental Health
What’s on liveandworkwell.com?
Preventive Help Program for Depression
UBH’s free Preventive Health Program for Depression focuses on early
detection, treatment and overall understanding of depression. The
program features a self-appraisal, in-depth articles, a list of support
resources, and contact information for UBH. It is completely confidential.
Access the Preventive Health Program for Depression at
www.liveandworkwell.com/prevention/depression.
Additional Resources
American Heart Association,
sponsor of American Heart Month
www.americanheart.org
Resources and details on this year’s
activities taking place in your area.
National Institute for Mental
Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
More information about the link
between depression and heart
disease.