Post-heart attack depression needs careful attention

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Depression after a heart attack may arise for various reasons and must be taken seriously.
Depression is a common occurrence after a heart attack. It's often thought of as a natural response, but it is a real condition which can affect recovery. Doctors at Harvard Medical School point out that those with depression after a heart attack are two to three more times more likely to have another heart attack or to die prematurely.

Depression that occurs for the first time during recovery is more dangerous than depression which is pre-existing. Depression also arises for different reasons. It could be that the patient has a genetic vulnerability to heart attack and depression. Or they may be affected by fear of dying or grief over the loss of their health. The treatment of depression depends upon its cause - medication and talk therapy together will likely bring about improvement and this will have a positive effect on heart health.

Source
Harvard Heart Letter April 2007

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