THE HEAD-HEART CONNECTION. Cardiac

THE HEAD-HEART CONNECTION

HOW CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE INTERTWINED.

THE RELATIONSHIP GOES BOTH WAYS.

64%

Increased risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) for adults with depression

1 IN5

People diagnosed with heart disease who experience major depression

26%

Increased risk of developing CAD for adults with anxiety

20%30%

Adults with elevated anxiety following the onset of acute coronary syndrome

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? WHAT DOES ANXIETY DO TO THE BODY?

HOW DOES DEPRESSION AFFECT THE HEART?

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

• Biological: It’s linked with elevated blood pressure and heart rate, greater levels of inflammation and increased risk of blood clots.

• Behavioral: Depressed people are less likely to be physically active and more likely to smoke, overeat and not take medications as prescribed.

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.

Consider talking with a mental health counselor. Prescription medications may help.

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.