Depression can accelerate heart disease or be an effect of it.  Both the heart and the head need to be treated appropriately.

Over the last decade, evidence has been mounting that depression may be a risk factor for heart disease, and conversely, having heart disease often causes depression.

Multiple studies suggest that those with depression are more likely to develop heart disease. In the case of a Johns Hopkins study of 1,000 male medical students the increase was twofold.  Other studies propose that the more severe the depression, the greater the risk. 

While depression is an independent risk factor for the development of heart disease it's also an emotional reaction to heart disease itself.  According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, about one in 20 Americans experiences major depression in a given year but the number goes up to about one in 5 individuals who survive a heart attack.

The evidence that depression may both cause and complicate heart disease is getting stronger.  But, can treatment for depression prevent cardiac problems?  Intuitively it would seem so, but researchers are just beginning to publish studies on the topic.  One study from Duke University Medical Center found that a stress-management program cut the chances that a heart patient would suffer a heart attack or need surgery by 74 percent. Another from Emory University School of Medicine has found that giving the antidepressant paroxetine to heart attack survivors made their platelets less "sticky" and reduced their risks of developing blood clots.  

The conclusion, at this point, is that recognizing and treating depression is very important to maximize heart health as well as quality of life. 

More than 80% of people with depression can be treated successfully with psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.  Physicians often recommend a patient with mild depression try cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy first.  Medication can be added if needed or might be the first choice if the depression is more severe.  For individuals with hearth disease, newer medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective with fewer cardiovascular side effects than previous drugs.  Family, friends and physicians all need to be aware of and watchful for the patient's tendency to dwell on thoughts of suicide.

You can take steps to control stress and fight depression.  Talk to your doctor and consider getting guidance from a trained therapist. 

Common coping techniques: