THE HEAD-HEART
CONNECTION HOW CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE INTERTWINED.
THE RELATIONSHIP GOES BOTH WAYS. Increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) for adults with depression
64%
Anxiety and stress may be associated with the following cardiac risk factors:
• Release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can overstimulate the cardiovascular system
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) • Increased blood pressure • Decreased heart rate variability
People diagnosed with heart disease who experience major depression
1 IN 5
26% 20%30%
WHAT DOES ANXIETY DO TO THE BODY?
Increased risk of developing CAD for adults with anxiety
HOW DOES DEPRESSION AFFECT THE HEART? • Biological: It’s linked with elevated blood
pressure and heart rate, greater levels of inflammation and increased risk of blood clots.
Adults with elevated anxiety following the onset of acute coronary syndrome
• Behavioral: Depressed people are less likely to
be physically active and more likely to smoke, overeat and not take medications as prescribed.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Tell your healthcare provider how you’re feeling.
Follow a healthy diet.
Limit alcohol: for women, no more than one drink a day; for men, two drinks.
Increase physical activity.
Prescription medications may help.
Consider talking with a mental health counselor.
Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you. To connect with a top cardiovascular expert at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
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