There is a two-way impact; people with heart disease may experience significant emotional distress, and people struggling with mental health issues can develop unhealthy habits, which elevates the risk of heart disease.
Long-term mental stress overactivates the HPA axis (central stress management system). This raises the stress hormone cortisol levels, increasing inflammation and accelerating atherosclerosis (deposition of fatty material on the inner walls of arteries).
Depression increases molecules such as inflammatory cytokines and platelet aggregation. This may increase blood pressure and may accelerate the progression of coronary artery disease.
Anxiety triggers the "fight-or-flight" response system, known as the sympathetic nervous system. The overactivation of this system results in increased heart rate and blood pressure and can damage the blood vessels.
PTSD is linked to an increased fight-or-flight system response and inflammation. This may raise the chances of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and adverse cardiac events.
Chronic psychological stress can:
All these can contribute to atherosclerosis and increase cardiovascular risk.
Heart disease can make several harmful changes in the body, leading to psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. This can lead to a vicious cycle, worsening overall health outcomes.
Chronic mental health conditions affect the brain and hormone pathway known as the neuroendocrine pathways. This may lead to immune dysregulation, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances contributing to cardiovascular conditions.
Heart and mental conditions associated with family history or genetic predisposition require professional help. However, some of the tips that can be your toolkit to reduce the risk are:
These help early disease detection and prevention.
Most important is to follow your doctor’s advice for both heart conditions and mental health disorders.
If you or someone you know is struggling with heart disease, it is important to know “when to consult a doctor for timely help.”
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience the following symptoms:
Ready to improve your heart health?
Contact Artemis Cardiac Care, known for its skilled team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons specializing in conservative as well as conventional treatments. Contact at +91 9070902010.
Q1: Can heart problems give you anxiety?
A: Yes, cardiovascular issues can trigger anxiety because of fear about health and physical symptoms, which overactivate the body's stress response (HPA axis).
Q2: What are three early warning signs that your heart is failing?
A: Shortness of breath while performing normal activities, swelling in legs or ankles, and constant fatigue or weakness are three common symptoms that might indicate that your heart is becoming inefficient. However, the final decision will only be made by the doctor.
Q3: How does heart disease affect you emotionally?
A: Heart disease can affect you emotionally by triggering feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress due to worries about your health.
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