Can Depression Break My Heart?

Depression and heart disease are interlinked. Studies have shown that poor mental health (like depression) can stress the body, leading to increased inflammatory states and poor lifestyle habits that may adversely affect the heart.

Research shows that untreated severe mental health issues and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart problems influence each other, with heart problems potentially triggering mental illness and vice versa. Both conditions share biological, genetic, and behavioural factors.

While genetic cases can be diagnosed early, biological and behavioural factors can be treated. The top two bidirectional links include:

1. High cholesterol levels, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiac metabolic disorders, diabetes, etc., are related to poor cardiac health. Battling these chronic conditions, the related lifestyle and dietary restrictions, and fear of complications affect mental peace.
2. The high rates of smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, etc., related to mental disorders worsen heart issues.

The biological effects of depression on the heart are:

• Inflammation: Depression keeps your immune system over-active. This results in a state of constant inflammation that harms the heart and blood vessels.
• Blood vessel dysfunction: In depression, the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium) may not function properly, which can cause poor blood flow and heart difficulties.
• Platelet hyperactivity: In depression, platelets — which aid in the clotting of blood — tend to become more active, thereby increasing the risk of clot formation that could lead to heart attacks or strokes.
• Depression and high cortisol (stress hormone) levels can mess up the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and blood pressure levels.

Depression itself may worsen the condition by causing poor self-care (irregular diet, exercise, and sleep) and loneliness. Can depression lead to heart problems? Yes, and vice versa. The strange link between the two is the overlapping causes and depression symptoms. 

To improve heart issues related to depression, it is important to identify the shared symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and begin a tailored treatment plan.

Depression is a severe condition that includes symptoms like constant sadness, loss of interest in activities, negative thoughts, low energy, and changes in appetite. In extreme situations, it may result in thoughts or behaviours related to suicide, as well as episodes of psychosis. Heart disease symptoms, such as exhaustion, poor energy, and trouble sleeping overlap, with those of depression. 

Two things to bear in mind when addressing the cardiac-depression link are that post-heart attack depression is real and needs attention, and people with depression are at a higher risk of impaired heart health.

Stress, depression, and heart health need seismic lifestyle changes that are tailored to the preferences of the individual. Some tips for heart health and mental well-being are:

It's best to disclose and stay frank about your symptoms with the doctor. Doing so helps if necessary modifications are needed in the treatment plan.

Talking to a doctor or therapist helps. It gives the confidence to say NO to extra work, peer pressure, cravings, and fatigue. Seeking support and practising relaxation techniques, like yoga, breathing techniques, meditation, music, etc. keep you motivated.

• Cut back on smoking and alcohol: The sooner you avoid these toxins, the better. Your therapist can help when withdrawal hits.
• Sleep well: Lack of sleep worsens depression.
• Exercise: Boosts mood and heart health
• Healthy diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats to improve depression and heart health.

You can combat depression whilst improving your heart condition — and also the other way around. The key is to speak out and be vigilant in both cases. If you have had a recent heart attack, are diagnosed with heart issues, or battling depression, the umpteen meds and strict lifestyle can affect your mental and emotional health. Discuss and learn about the support groups, lifestyle modifying programmes, etc. before matters get out of hand.

Depression and heart disease are among the leading causes of the global burden of disease. A better knowledge of the common pathways will allow you and your physician to design more successful and sustainable treatments. Routine screening of cardiac patients for depression and depression cases for heart-unfriendly habits can be a game changer.

Yes, depression overactivates the immune system and increases the body’s stress hormones, altering blood pressure, heart rates, and blood vessel health. Depression exacerbates the likelihood of drinking, smoking, having restless nights, and a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of disease, especially heart-related, obesity, diabetes, and more–making matters worse.

Persistent depressive disorder is a newly coined condition of remaining slightly permanently depressed. However, recent studies discuss how care can reverse this too.

Yes, poor mental health with smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, etc. and constantly overworking stress hormones, immunity, and body inflammation affect your heart. 

Yes, stress increases body stress hormones like cortisol, reduces happy hormones like dopamine, pushes immune functions, increases inflammation, and causes smoke and alcohol dependency to damage the heart.