Depression After a Heart Attack

As many as 1 out of every 3 people who have a heart attack report feelings of depression. Women, people who have had depression before, and people who feel alone and without social or emotional support are at a higher risk of depression after a heart attack.

Many people with depression don’t recognize it, seek help or get treatment. Being depressed can make it harder for you to recover physically. However, depression can be treated.

Depression is a medical illness, like diabetes or high blood pressure. The emotional and physical symptoms of depression include some or many of the following:

People who are depressed have symptoms from the list above nearly every day, all day, for 2 or more weeks. Depressed mood and loss of interest in daily activities are two of the most common symptoms.

If you have some or all of the symptoms of depression, see your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, your health and your family's history of health problems.

Depression can be treated with medicine, counseling or both.

Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medicines called antidepressants can address this imbalance. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant medicine for you, follow his or her advice on how to take it. Your doctor will prescribe an antidepressant that should not interfere with your heart condition. These medicines can take a few weeks to start working, so be patient. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor before you stop taking any medicine or if you have any unusual symptoms.

How you think about yourself and your life can also play a part in depression. Counseling can help you identify and stop negative thoughts and replace them with more logical or positive thinking. Many people who are depressed, and their families, benefit from counseling.

Often people feel more depressed because they are inactive and aren't involved in social and recreational activities. You may find that participating in a hobby or recreational activity improves your mood. Interacting more with other people or taking part in an exercise program can also help you feel better. Many people who have had a heart attack benefit physically and mentally from a cardiac rehabilitation program. Talk to your doctor about what kinds of activities and exercise programs are right for you.

Yes. Treatment helps between 80% and 90% of people with depression.