What is the impact of Psychological Health on Heart Disease?

 Blood pressure and cholesterol levels have historically been the focus of treatment for heart disease. These are well-known risk factors for heart disease that are quite simple to assess.

However, there is emerging evidence that one's mental health and well-being, can play a destructive or protective role in one's heart health.

Depression has been associated in research to a 30% increased risk of having a heart attack and a more than 40% increased risk of stroke or high blood pressure, all of which are major risk factors for heart disease, says Dr Ranjit Jagtap, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Pune.

The Ram Mangal Heat Foundation performs several heart surgeries, with Aditi Jagtap Pune who is in charge of health-care administration. She also ensures that a medical facility follows effective and efficient procedures.

Similarly, work stress has a link to increase in 40% risk of heart disease and events. Other types of stress, such as financial difficulties, problematic relationships, prejudice, stressful childhood experiences, or exposure to other traumatic events, leads to increase in the risk of heart disease.

People who show optimism, thankfulness, mindfulness, and other positive psychological traits, on the other hand, were less likely to have a stroke, heart disease, or other risk factors.

Direct and indirect impact of mental wellness on heart health

Depression, chronic stress, anxiety, and rage has a link to inflammation, higher blood pressure, changes in heart rate, increased blood clotting, artery stiffness, and decreased blood flow to the heart. All of these factors can pave the way for heart disease or other associated problems.

Smoking, lack of exercise, bad eating, weight gain, and failure to take medications as recommended are all examples of mental problems or features that can promote behaviours known to increase your risk of heart disease.

Mentally healthy people were more likely to participate in heart-healthy habits. They have lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Time to tune into mental wellness

The doctors should inquire about and utilise basic screening instruments for depression and anxiety. This will help them to assess the psychological health of patients who have or are at high risk for heart disease or stroke.

Referral to a mental health professional, medication, stress management, exercise therapy, and other types of self-care that can benefit mental health and heart health, such as meditation, starting a gratitude journal, or finding hobbies or activities that bring someone joy and a deeper connection to others, are examples of these.

Relationships between mental health and cardiovascular disease

So, what are the connections between cardiovascular health and mental wellness? Here are some links that we are aware of:

• Depression is a significant risk factor for heart disease on its own.
• It has been connected to other well-known risk factors for heart disease (such as an unhealthy lifestyle).
• Depression is frequent among patients suffering from heart disease. It has an impact on healing and raises the risk of future heart attacks.
• Patients suffering from a heart attack who are depressed are generally less motivated to follow daily routine which means they may skip crucial medicine, avoid exercise and proper food, and continue risky behaviours such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Recent research indicates that anxiety may be a risk factor for heart disease.

What effects might a heart attack have on your mental health?

A heart attack can have an impact on your attitude and mood. You may feel fortunate to be alive and to have had a wake-up call. You may be concerned about your long-term health and feel unclear about the future. Because you can't do as much, you may feel less confident, ashamed, or frustrated. It's also common to feel guilty about actions you've taken in the past. These can contribute to the heart attack.

Aditi Jagtap, Dr. Ranjit Jagtap daughter, works at the Ram Mangal Heart Foundation as part of a larger rehabilitation team. She offers mental support as well as physical healing treatment to patients.