Mental health and heart health are linked

Mental health & heart disease: A troubling connection 

Having a healthy heart could start with ensuring that your mind is healthy, too. A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions suggests mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can have negative effects on cardiovascular health. 

Genetic link: Stress & cardiovascular health 

The 10-year study found that participants who had been diagnosed with anxiety or depression developed a new heart disease risk faster an average of six months sooner than others. Depression and anxiety also increased the risk for a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, by about 35 percent.  

Researchers in the study believe there may be a genetic link causing the strong tie between psychological and cardiovascular health. People with a higher genetic predisposition to stress in the study developed their first cardiovascular risk factor at a younger age — a year and half earlier.  

Behavioral changes & heart risk factors 

In addition, behavioral health changes such as a lack of self-care may increase the likelihood of lifestyle-related risk factors — depression may interfere with someone’s drive to go to the gym or eat a healthy diet. 

Increased vigilance: monitoring heart risks with mental health diagnosis 

A positive takeaway from the study is that it will encourage doctors and patients to keep an extra watch on heart disease risks if anxiety and depression are diagnosed. 

This could also be the spur needed for people to take psychological and behavioral health more seriously. The old stigma of ”it’s just in your head” is outdated — mental health disorders have a real effect on physiology.  

Take action: seeking help for mental health concerns