Depression heightens risk of a fatal heart or circulatory disease
French and British scientists have recently conducted a study in which they found that those with coronary heart disease and depression are four times more likely to die from heart or circulatory disease than those suffering from either condition alone.
The study, which has been published in Heart journal involved tracking the mental and physical health of 6,000 middle aged people over a period of five years.
The experts found that those with heart disease alone stood a 67 percent higher risk of dying from any cause than those without heart disease or depression, but those with heart disease and depression saw the risk of death from any cause tripled and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease quadrupled.
Senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, Amy Thompson has said this study further highlights previous research that depression is linked to coronary heart disease.
“Enjoying regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help if you are feeling low – so, good news for your mental health as well as your heart health.” She said.
If you are exhibiting symptoms of depression your first stop should be your GP who will be able to advise you on the appropriate action and treatment. Talk therapies (e.g counselling and psychotherapy) and antidepressants are both highly effective options for depression which a GP may suggest. Many people will also opt to explore the option of alternative therapies which they can use alongside their conventional treatment. Hypnoanalysis is the term used to describe psychotherapy using hypnosis and generally involves seeking out the cause of the negative emotions and feelings before removing the symptoms. To find a qualified hypnotherapist specialising in this area please use our search tool.