• Depression is one of the most common health disorders in the U.S., and heart disease is a leading cause of death.
  
  
• Depression is an independent risk factor for the development of heart disease.
  
  
• Depressed feelings are often a common reaction to heart disease.  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.
  
  
• People with heart disease who are depressed have an increased risk of death after a heart attack compared to those who are not depressed.  
  
  
• While depression is an important risk factor for death after heart attack, depression appears to have the greatest impact in the immediate months after heart attack.
  
  
• Depression in patients with coronary heart disease is associated with treatment noncompliance including medications and cardiac rehabilitation.
  
  
• Many heart patients with depression do not receive appropriate treatment for the depression. 
  
  
• It is critical to treat both the depression and cardiac disorder in order to maximize a positive outcome.
  
  
• Depression is an eminently treatable illness.  More than 80% of people with depression can be treated successfully with
  psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.

For additional facts about heart disease, see Second Opinion, Heart Attack/Coronary Artery Disease (Episode 113)

For additional facts about depression, see Second Opinion, Depression (Episode 201)