Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions. Treatment for early detection of these conditions is necessary for healthy beings, and researchers are trying to find various advanced ways to treat them. According to a recent study published in JAMA, how treatment of anxiety and depression impacts heart health among people who faced heart problems previously, this study included 1500 participants. It concluded that individuals who received medication and psychotherapy for depression are 75% less likely to stay in the hospital again and 74% less likely to have to visit an emergency room.Â
People with depression experience persistent feelings of hopelessness and a decline in energy. They lack consistency in their feelings and might have difficulty carrying out essential functions in their everyday lives. Anxiety is another common mental health condition where people have trouble sleeping, persistent feelings of worry, and restlessness. People with anxiety are also at an increased risk for depression.Â
Poor mental health can affect one’s physical health as well. For instance, people with depression who also have illnesses like diabetes or heart disease might have worse symptoms from both conditions. People with anxiety are also at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Doctors say that people suffering from such mental health conditions might be prone to adopt lifestyle changes like smoking to cope with their feelings. This, in turn, further increases their risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Patients who suffer from heart conditions like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure might be at an increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, or PTSD after a stressful acute cardiovascular attack. Researchers of the current study wanted to understand more about the relationship between specific heart problems, anxiety, and depression.Â
This study includes 1563 participants who had coronary artery disease and have anxiety or depression. These participants also experienced their first hospital admission related to heart failure or ischemic heart disease. Treatment for anxiety and depression and the relation to emergency room visits for heart failure and coronary artery disease were analyzed. Researchers examined whether participants received psychotherapy or antidepressants. Ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, and biological sex were also considered. The analysis found that people who received both psychotherapy and medication for depression or anxiety experienced the most benefits and the most risk reductions.Â
All groups that received some kind of treatment saw benefits regarding hospitalization and emergency room visits. However, significant reductions in risk for heart disease mortality for those treated for depression were not found. Those who received both medication and psychotherapy were 75% less likely to be admitted to the hospital again, 74% less likely to have to go to the emergency room, and 66% less likely to experience death from any cause. The results point to the importance of treating mental illness in people who have heart disease to help improve heart disease outcomes.Â
Reference Link-Carmin, C. N., Ownby, R. L., Fontanella, C., Steelesmith, D., & Binkley, P. F. (2024). Journal of the American Heart Association, 13(7). doi:10.1161/jaha.123.031117Â
