Minding the Heart and Soul
The physical effects of heart disease can be devastating. Equally as serious, but less well known, are the emotional and psychological effects that a cardiac event can have.
If you are feeling depressed, frightened or even angry, it’s important to know that these emotions are common after a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, angioplasty or stent placement. Many people who have had a heart event, as well as their family members, have powerful emotional reactions for many months afterward, including fear, depression, loneliness and anger.26 But do not feel hopeless! As time passes, many heart patients come to view their experience as an opportunity to examine their own values and review what's important.27
For some, depression, anxiety or problems with anger may have been present even before dealing with heart disease. Regardless of when the symptoms began, taking care of both your physical and emotional health is critical to maintaining a healthy heart and preventing future events. 44
Extensive research has identified several key psychological factors that contribute to the onset of heart disease and worsen the outcome following diagnosis. These factors include: depression, social isolation, anger/hostility, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic disorder.28
Whether you have heart disease or not, it is important to recognize the signs of stress, negative emotions and mental imbalance before they cause harm. If you suspect that you may have any of the psychological symptoms listed above, talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible. He or she may recommend visiting a psychologist, psychiatrist or other experts experienced in treating these conditions.
If you or a loved one has heart disease or have experienced a cardiac event, you may find encouragement from a heart patient support network. Many cardiac rehabilitation programs offer “stress management” programs and have a psychologist or psychiatrist on staff. Mended Hearts is a national program made up of heart patients who have “been there” themselves and who provide support and education for new heart patients. 136
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