General News
Published February 24, 2020
Here’s a question for Heart Month: Did you know that heart and mental health are like the chicken and the egg? It doesn’t matter which one came first. Help one and you help the other.
One in 2 middle-aged men and 1 in 3 middle-aged women have some form of heart disease. Coronary artery disease, a form of heart disease, is the leading cause of death in this country. It occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries that supply the blood flow to the heart. Over time, this narrows the arteries, restricts blood flow, and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
When heart disease comes first
For people who’ve survived a heart attack, 33 percent will suffer from depression. The more severe the physical disease, the greater likelihood that the person also has developed a mental health disorder, said Mia Wise, DO and Premera medical director.
“When people have to go from seeing themselves as someone in good health to someone who has to make lifestyle changes and take medication to manage their condition, it has a big impact,” Dr. Wise said. “Patients can feel a loss of control. They may ask themselves, ‘Why me?’ or sometimes think, ‘What’s the point? Why should I try?’”
People who have heart disease may not be able to work, climb a flight of stairs, or even have the energy to go out to dinner. These changes and losses can lead to anxiety and depression. In fact, about one in three heart attack survivors experience depression, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Just because someone looks fine after a heart attack doesn't mean they are.
Resources employers can share about behavioral health
For employee resources, sign in to the secure employer website and select Employee Communication Center. This will direct you to all of our ready-to-share communication pieces.
Helpful resources include:
- Behavioral health
- Managing conditions
- Preventive care
- Wellness
When depression comes first
Research shows that depression is linked to heart disease. People with depression may sleep more; exercise less; eat a poor diet; and self-medicate with smoking, drinking, or substance abuse. They may have a hard time taking medications as directed by their healthcare provider. They’re less likely to do the things that keep them healthy and prevent heart disease.
“When you’re depressed, it’s really hard to advocate for yourself,” Dr. Wise noted. “If you have heart disease and depression, you feel physically lousy and think it’s all about the physical disease, when it’s not. People believe they should be able to think their way through this. We need to change our focus.”