A recent study suggests that addressing anxiety and depression may play a crucial role in preventing hospitalizations and reducing emergency room visits among individuals with heart disease.
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study examined the impact of mental health treatment, including antidepressant medication or psychotherapy (commonly known as talk therapy or a combination of both), on emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and mortality rates in patients with blocked arteries or heart failure and a diagnosed anxiety or depression.
Results indicated that individuals who received a combination of medication and talk therapy experienced a significant reduction in hospitalizations (68-75%) and emergency room visits (67-74%). Furthermore, the risk of death from any cause decreased by 65-67%.
Patients who underwent psychotherapy alone also saw positive outcomes, with a 46-49% decrease in the risk of hospital readmission and a 48-53% decrease in emergency room visits.
Lead author Philip Binkley emphasized the substantial benefits of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination for heart disease patients with anxiety or depression, with reductions in hospitalizations and emergency room visits of up to 75%.
Binkley highlighted the intricate relationship between heart disease and mental health, noting that both conditions can exacerbate each other. He pointed out the role of the sympathetic nervous system in this interaction, which influences heart rate, blood pressure, and mental well-being.
Echoing the study’s findings, mental health expert Dr. Goke Adeola emphasized the significant impact of anxiety and depression on heart health. Elevated cortisol levels associated with anxiety and depression can lead to inflammation and cardiovascular complications.
Adeola stressed the importance of addressing mental health concerns to safeguard physical health, urging heart patients to collaborate with healthcare providers to manage underlying mental health issues. This may involve medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.
He emphasized the importance of self-care practices such as adequate sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise for heart patients to prioritize their overall well-being. Early recognition of signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression is crucial for seeking timely intervention and support.