At least 80 million people in the United States suffer from various forms of heart diseases. It is imperative that we identify them and start their treatment according to a UCSF School of Nursing and Medicine professor Erika Froelicher. Erika is also a well known scientific statement writer.
People who have previously suffered from heart attacks are prone to depression and this condition is common among them according to a study report released by reporters who conducted research and reviews on dozens of subjects. Report further went on to state that women tended to get depressed due to heart attacks more than men.
Apart from a history of heart attacks, those who have undergone bypass surgery, angioplasty, valve surgery or unstable angina also showed similar depression rates. According to Froelicher, cardiac patients must be further evaluated if they show disinterest in doing things or suffer from a feeling of hopelessness.
While treatment could include procedures like exercise, behavioral therapy and medicines, evaluation and screening should be done as a routine in familiar medical surroundings like office of the doctor, hospitals or rehabilitation centers.
Depression itself could be a cause for heart attack and those suffering from this condition may exhibit symptoms like smoking, abstaining from exercise or even eating. Robert Lacey who is a former heart patient from South Bay is now the co ordinator of Mended Hearts Inc., a chapter which provides support to heart patients. He also suffered from depression when he underwent the quadrapule by pass 18 years ago. He now identifies and helps patients who suffer similarly by alerting the doctors.
