Women are more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack than men, according to new research.
“The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020 depression will be the second leading cause of disability and mortality in the world, surpassed only by ischaemic heart disease,” said Dr. Pranas Serpytis of Lithuania.
Major depression follows myocardial infarction (MI) in approximately 18 percent of cases and is an important predictor of disability and poor quality of life in the year post-MI. Patients with depression are nearly six times more likely to die within six months after an MI than those without depression. The increased risk of death in patients with depression persists up to 18 months after the MI.
Researchers found that women were more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack than men, but until now this issue has been largely unnoticed. Clinicians should assess MI patients, particularly women, for anxiety and depression so that timely treatment can be started.
The study also suggests that patients should be encourage to quit smoking and increase their activity levels, which should reduce their risks of anxiety and depression after MI.
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Source material from Psych Central