The Link Between Head and Heart

Depression and other emotional problems raise heart attack risk

Those old poets writing about a broken heart were right— your mental state and your heart health are inseparable.

“Studies show that depression and anxiety disorder raise the risk for heart disease,” says psychiatrist Michael Kaufmann, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “And 20 percent of heart attack survivors develop major depression,” says his colleague, cardiologist Joan Homan, M.D. (Homan screens her patients for depression.)

The newest findings involve postmenopausal women with panic disorder. “Their heart disease risk increases fourfold,” Homan says.

The common denominator for all these conditions is stress. “Stress is a normal part of life,” Kaufmann says, “but when your stress level is very high or lasts too long, it can damage your body.”

For example, if you have major depression, your brain produces less serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical). That affects not just your mood, but also the platelets in your blood—they’re more likely over time to obstruct the blood vessel lining and cause a heart attack or stroke. If you suffer from anxiety, your body may release too much of an adrenalinlike chemical that also can clog arteries or trigger heart rhythm problems.

Genes play a role in how vulnerable you are to these threats. People with inborn “type A” tendencies (aggressive, competitive, unable to relax) coupled with hostility are at higher risk for heart trouble, Kaufmann says. “In women, type A is more apt to be someone too busy to take care of her own health,” Homan says.

What to do if this sounds like you or someone you love? Be assertive about getting treatment. “Emotional stress conditions coupled with heart disease have an enormous impact on your quality of life,” Kaufmann says, “but both are very treatable, sometimes with lifestyle change alone.” Counseling or meditation can help neutralize negative thoughts. Exercising regularly and improving relationships with friends and family are good for your heart and your stress level.

Want to Know More about you current stress level? Fill out a Life Stress Scale and share with your doctor. For a copy, call 610-402-CARE or click here.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, July-August 2008

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