When you are not feeling good, we often take comfort in our favorite foods. Some people who are depressed may also make unhealthy choices like smoking more while remaining physically inactive. Few also sleep less or more and drink alcohol. Over the years, these factors have increased the risk of depressed people developing heart diseases.
Role of Depression in heart disease patients:-
- Unmanaged stress can result in arterial damage, a weak immune system, irregular heart rhythms, and high blood pressure.
- Poor lifestyle habits of people with depression, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking, can cause heart disease.
- When a patient recovers from cardiac surgery, depression can be a vital factor. For instance, it can worsen sluggishness and fatigue while intensifying the pain.
- Patients suffering from depression have shown an increased reactivity of platelets, high pro-inflammatory markers, and decreased variability of heart. These are the risk factors for developing heart disease.
- Depression can trigger blood clots and heart attacks. For people who do not suffer from heart disease, depression can result in coronary artery disease.
- Depressed patients are more likely to die after experiencing a heart attack, whereas those who do not suffer from depression have a better survival rate.
How can you prevent depressive disorders that contribute to heart disease?
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Recognize
If you do not feel okay for more than two weeks, talk to a therapist. Depression can otherwise cause physical problems that can reduce your ability to work.
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Be healthy
You can start walking for a short duration each day. Physical activity will lower your chances of having depression.
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Changes in lifestyle
If you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, it is time to quit. Depressed tend to have these unhealthy habits, so quitting them will prevent health-related problems.
Conclusion:-
If you want, you can contact Dr. Meghana Pande if you are suffering from any heart disease due to depression. Her location is in Pune.