Heart disease and mental health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and your heart health is closely linked to your mental health.

What is mental health?#

Mental health is about wellness, not simply the absence of a mental health condition. The World Health Organization describes it as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”

Anxiety and depression are two mental health conditions commonly related to heart disease.

Anxiety#

Anxiety is the word we use to describe how we feel when we are worried or stressed, but it is more than that. Anxious feelings are a normal reaction to a situation in which a person feels under pressure, and they usually pass once the stressful situation is over or the stressor is removed. For someone experiencing an anxiety condition, these feelings can happen for no clear reason and continue after the stressful event has passed. They can be hard to manage and make it difficult to cope with everyday life.

Signs and symptoms#

People experience anxiety differently, and there are several types of anxiety disorder. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Panic attacks
• A racing heart
• Hot and cold flushes
• Tightening of the chest
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior
• Excessive worry, fear or catastrophizing
• Avoiding situations that may cause anxiety

Living with heart disease is one of many things that can trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are many effective ways to manage and treat it, and the sooner you get help, the sooner you can recover.

Depression#

We can all feel sad or moody occasionally, but some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods (weeks or months), and sometimes without any apparent cause. Depression affects how a person thinks, feels and acts.

Signs and symptoms#

Common signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Being unable to concentrate and not getting things done at work or school
• Feeling overwhelmed, difficulty making decisions and lacking confidence
• Increased alcohol or other drug use
• Loss or change of appetite, with significant weight loss or gain
• Trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, and being tired during the day
• Feeling worthless, helpless and guilty
• Increased irritability, frustration and moodiness
• Feeling unhappy, sad or miserable most of the time
• Negative thoughts such as “I’m a failure”, “Life’s not worth living” or “People would be better off without me”

As with anxiety, there are effective treatments, and it is important to seek help early.

Social isolation, loneliness and mental health#

Positive, respectful social connections are important for our mental and physical wellbeing. Feeling lonely or being socially isolated has been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and to thoughts of suicide. People who experience loneliness or social isolation also have an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Your doctor or mental health support team can suggest ways to help you feel less lonely.

Links between mental health and heart disease#

Anxiety, depression and coronary heart disease are common conditions that often occur together. Mental health conditions can develop after a major event such as a heart attack, stroke or heart surgery. Depression and anxiety are both independent risk factors for heart disease. Depression can also affect recovery in people with coronary heart disease and increase their risk of further problems, such as another heart attack.

Looking after your mental health and heart health#

There are many things you can do to look after your mental health and improve your heart health. These are especially important if you have heart disease.

Speak to your doctor#

Like heart disease, anxiety and depression can be treated effectively. Your doctor can discuss medicines and lifestyle changes to help you manage both conditions, and can refer you to health professionals who work in mental health care, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, mental health nurse, occupational therapist or social worker.

Take part in cardiac rehabilitation#

Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a program of support, exercise and education led by health professionals and personalized to strengthen your heart. If you have had a heart attack, undergone heart surgery or been diagnosed with a heart condition, cardiac rehab can help you make long-term lifestyle changes, improve your wellbeing and reduce the risk of another heart attack. It can support you to manage anxiety and depression, and to connect with people who have had similar experiences.

Make healthy lifestyle changes#

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has significant benefits for both your physical and mental health. Helpful changes include:

• Staying active
• Following a heart-healthy eating pattern
• Drinking less alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress
• Getting enough sleep

Seek support and stay connected#

You’re not alone, and many resources are available to support your heart health and mental wellbeing. If you are worried about your thoughts or how you are feeling, tell someone and seek help — this could be your doctor, another health professional, a family member or a friend.

Staying connected with people in your community also strengthens your mental health and wellbeing. For example, you might consider:

• Joining a local interest group
• Volunteering
• Getting involved with a community walking or exercise group

Key points#

• Heart disease and mental health are closely linked; anxiety and depression are commonly related to heart disease and often occur together.
• Anxiety and depression each take many forms and their symptoms can vary, but both can be treated effectively, so it is important to seek help early.
• Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of both mental health problems and coronary heart disease.
• Positive, respectful social connections are important for our mental and physical wellbeing.
• Speaking to your doctor, taking part in cardiac rehabilitation, making healthy lifestyle changes and staying connected can support both your heart and your mind.

Where to get help#