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Depression and Heart Disease

One out of every five people will experience an episode of severe depression in their lifetimes. This means that, at any given time, anywhere from 3 percent to 5 percent of the population is suffering from depression. While these statistics may seem astounding, the incidence of depression rises dramatically when a person also suffers from heart disease.

In fact, 50 percent of heart disease patients will be depressed at some point in their lives. This means that, at any moment, about 18 percent of heart disease patients are also suffering from depression.

How is heart disease linked to depression? Does the physical heart condition contribute to the development of this psychiatric disorder? Or, does the depression give rise to health problems that manifest themselves in a physical manner?

Although researchers are still conducting studies to unearth the link between these two conditions, a few theories currently stand at the forefront of explaining the connection between depression and heart disease.

The Link Between Depression and Heart Disease

Here is an outline of some of the leading theories that attempt to explain the connection between depression and heart disease.

Theory 1: Depression causes people to live an unhealthy lifestyle, contributing to heart disease.

Those who agree with this theory suggest that depressed people are far more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles (not exercise), eat unhealthy foods and abuse alcohol and drugs.

Similarly, according to this theory, those suffering from depression are less likely to comply with prescription medication (both for their depression and for other health problems). Because those with depression are less likely to take care of themselves, they are, therefore, more likely to suffer from heart disease.
Theory 2: Stress, an element of depression, causes physiological changes that contribute to the development of heart disease.

This theory suggests that stress raises the body's levels of cortisol, a hormone that speeds up heart rate and increases fat deposits in the abdominal region. Overtime, elevated levels of cortisol, according to this theory, boost levels of bad cholesterol, cause arrhythmias and eventually lead to the development of heart disease.

While researchers are still exploring the viability of these possible theories, some suggest that science's reluctance to explore the way mental states manifest in a physical manner is to blame for our lack of understanding about the link between heart disease and depression. Nevertheless, research in this area is ongoing.

Statistics on Depression and Heart Disease

Here are some other fascinating statistics about the relationship between depression and heart disease:

Depression patients recently diagnosed with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack or need heart surgery as non-depressed heart disease patients, according to a Washington University study.
In a given 14-year period, depressed people are four times as likely to suffer a heart attack than non-depressed people, according to a Johns Hopkins study.
Like having high cholesterol or a previous heart attack, depression is a strong indicator of partial heart failure after a heart attack, according to the Medical Journal of Australia.
People suffering from depression who have also had a heart attack are four times more likely to die within six months than heart attack patients who aren't depressed, according to a study conducted by the Montreal Heart Institute.

Treatment for Depression and Heart Disease

As researchers are still working at solving this medical mystery, those diagnosed with heart disease and/or depression can take some measures to prevent potentially fatal heart attacks. Doctors recommend the following:

Comply with prescription medication for any health condition you have.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Consult your doctor or a dietician for guidelines on what an appropriate diet would be for your specific case.
Exercise regularly.
Get enough sleep on a regular basis.
Learn and practice stress management techniques to reduce your daily stress.
See a therapist, if you are depressed.
Talk to your doctor about whether or not you need heart surgery, if you have been diagnosed with heart disease.

Resources

McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web (updated July 11, 2003). Depression and Heart Disease. Retrieved October 17, 2007 from the McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web site: http://www.mcmanweb.com/article-41.htm.

Medical News Today (October 16, 2007). Link Between Depression and Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved October 17, 2007 from the Medical News Today Web site: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/85677.php.

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