Heart disease and mental health

You may know that

coronary heart

disease

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is the leading cause of death in Australia. But did you know that your heart health is closely linked to your

mental health

What is mental health?

‘

Mental

health

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’ is an expression that is often used to describe mental health conditions such as

anxiety

and

depression

However, according to the World Health Organization, mental health is about wellness and not merely the absence of a mental health condition. It is “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”.

Mental health conditions related to heart disease

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

Anxiety

is a 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 where a person feels under pressure and usually pass once the stressful situation is over, or the stressor is removed. However, for someone experiencing anxiety, these feelings can happen without any reason and can continue after the stressful event has passed. They can also be difficult to manage and make it hard to cope with everyday life.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

There are many

types of anxiety

disorders

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and their symptoms can vary. While people experience anxiety differently, there are some common signs and symptoms including:

panic attacks

racing heart

hot and cold flushes

tightening of the chest

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour

excessive worry, fear or catastrophising

avoiding situations that may cause anxiety.

Living with heart disease is one of many things that can trigger anxiety. The good news is there are many ways to

manage and treat

anxiety

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If you’re suffering from anxiety, the sooner you get help, the sooner you can recover.

Depression

is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition that has an impact on both your physical and mental health. We can all feel sad or moody occasionally, but some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks or months), and sometimes without any apparent cause.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Some 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 in confidence

increased alcohol and other drug use

loss or change of appetite

significant weight loss or gain

trouble getting to sleep, 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’, ‘People would be better off without me’.

Like anxiety, there are

effective

treatments

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available, and it is important to seek help early.

Social isolation, loneliness and mental health

Positive and respectful social connections are important for our mental and physical wellbeing.

Feeling lonely or being socially isolated have been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and suicide.

Visit

Lifeline

External Link

Tel.

13 11 14

for more information on social isolation and loneliness. You can also speak to your doctor or mental health support team to find out ways to help feeling less lonely.

Links between mental health conditions and heart disease

Anxiety, depression and coronary heart disease are common conditions and often occur together.

Mental health conditions – such as anxiety and depression – can develop after having a

heart attack

or heart surgery.

Depression and anxiety are both independent risk factors for heart disease.

Depression can affect the recovery of people with coronary heart disease and increase their risk of further heart problems, such as another heart attack.

People who experience loneliness or social isolation have an increased risk of coronary heart disease and

stroke

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, there are many effective ways to treat anxiety and depression. Your doctor can discuss medicines and lifestyle changes to help you manage both conditions.

Your doctor can also refer you to many types of health professionals who work in mental health care, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, mental health nurse, occupational therapist and social worker. To find support in your area, visit

Beyond

Blue

External Link

Participate in cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac

rehabilitation

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(cardiac rehab) is a program of support, exercise and education that’s led by health professionals and personalised to strengthen your heart.

If you have had a heart attack, undergone heart surgery or been diagnosed with a heart condition, attending cardiac rehab can help you make long-term lifestyle changes to improve your well-being, and reduce the risk of having another heart attack.

Through a cardiac rehab program, you will be supported to manage anxiety and depression. You’ll also get to connect with people who have had similar experiences.

Speak to your doctor or visit the

Heart Foundation’s Cardiac Services

Heart disease and mental health

Heart disease and mental health

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