Heart Disease and Depression

When someone has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or had an invasive cardiac procedure, it can affect not just his or her physical health but mental and emotional well-being, too. They might even be feeling depressed. And to some extent, this is normal. (Joining a support group like Heart Beats, or Healthy Heart Program (formerly Outpatient Cardiac Rehab) where you will meet other people who have had similar cardiac experiences, can help to lift your mood and increase your vitality if you're just feeling the blues.)

But true clinical depression is not the normal reaction. In fact, if depression lingers or becomes severe, it is cause for concern. Clinical depression in people with heart disease can increase the risk of serious heart damage, and can even increase the risk of premature death. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people who survive heart attacks but suffer from major depression have a 3-4 times greater risk of dying within six months than those who are not deeply depressed.

The good news: Clinical depression is very treatable with medication and/or psychotherapy.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression
How can you tell if someone you love is clinically depressed, and not just feeling the blues? Here are the symptoms of clinical depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:

• Persistent sad or "empty" mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
• Decreased energy; fatigue; a general "slowing down"
• Sleep disturbances
• Eating disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Irritability
• Excessive crying
• Chronic aches and pains for no apparent reason
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
  IMPORTANT: Anyone who is having suicidal thoughts should seek help without delay. To reach Connecticut's suicide hotline, 24 hours a day, just dial 211.

If your loved one experiences five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, and the cause can't be attributed to other illness or medications, or if the symptoms disrupt his or her life, encourage him or her to share these feelings with a physician...a cardiologist, primary care physician, or psychiatrist, who can make sure the patient receives help.

If you need a referral to a physician who can help with depression, call Bridgeport Hospital's Physician/Services Referral Program, 1-888-357-2396.