After effects of heart attack
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After Effects of Heart Attack
Depression After Heart Attack
Depression is a significant aftereffect of a heart attack, with studies indicating that it is three times more common in heart attack survivors compared to the general population. Approximately 15% to 20% of these patients meet the criteria for major depressive disorder, while many more experience elevated depressive symptoms1 5. This heightened prevalence is attributed to the major life stressor that a heart attack represents. Depression not only causes emotional distress but also increases the risk of subsequent heart attacks and mortality in the following months and years1 5. Consequently, the American Heart Association recommends screening heart attack patients for depressive symptoms to identify those needing further assessment and treatment1 5.
Anxiety and Psychological Effects
Anxiety is another common psychological consequence following a heart attack. Patients often experience heightened anxiety levels, which can manifest in various forms, including nightmares and psychotic episodes4. The transition from intensive care to regular medical wards can also trigger anxiety, highlighting the importance of psychological support during recovery4. Additionally, the presence of anxiety and other psychological disturbances can be linked to pre-existing conditions and life stressors, further complicating the recovery process4.
Impact on Relationships and Social Dynamics
The aftermath of a heart attack significantly affects not only the patients but also their partners. Research shows that the experiences of patients and their partners one month post-heart attack reveal several key themes: expectations about advice and information, feelings about the future, partner reactions, minimizing the heart attack's significance, the desire to return to normalcy, and the impact on the couple's relationship2. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive support systems that address both the emotional and informational needs of patients and their partners during early convalescence2.
Readjustment and Coping Mechanisms
Readjustment after a heart attack involves navigating various demands and leveraging personal and external resources. A multivariate framework has been developed to predict factors that either enhance or impede this readjustment process. Key elements include the individual's self-controlled resources and the crucial role of the spouse in providing support3. The framework distinguishes between affective, instrumental, and cognitive dimensions of readjustment, offering a nuanced understanding of how different factors influence recovery3.
Conclusion
The aftereffects of a heart attack are multifaceted, encompassing psychological, social, and emotional dimensions. Depression and anxiety are prevalent and can significantly impact recovery and prognosis. The support of partners and effective coping mechanisms are crucial for successful readjustment. Comprehensive care that includes psychological screening and support for both patients and their partners is essential for improving outcomes post-heart attack.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Depression After Heart Attack
Depression after a heart attack increases one's risk of having another heart attack or dying, and screening for depressive symptoms is recommended to identify those who may require further assessment and treatment.
Rigorous JournalThe experiences of patients and their partners 1 month after a heart attack.
Patients and their partners experience six major categories of emotions and experiences one month after a heart attack, which may inform nursing practice on improving support during early convalescence.
Observational Study
Highly CitedThe structure of readjustment after heart attack.
Readjustment after a heart attack is influenced by demands, self-controlled resources, and spouse support, with spouse support playing a crucial role in enhancing resources and furthering readjustment.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAnxiety preceding a heart attack — Effect of person
Anxiety and agitation in heart attack patients may disappear when they are taken to the hospital, suggesting a disturbed heart-brain balance in neuropsychic catechplamine chemistry.
Case ReportCardiology Patient Page. Depression after heart attack: why should I be concerned about depression after a heart attack?
Depression after a heart attack is common and increases one's risk of having another heart attack or dying, necessitating screening for depressive symptoms.
Rigorous JournalWomen with heart attacks have characteristic symptoms, says new study
Women with heart attacks often experience common symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbance, and shortness of breath, but less than a third report chest discomfort before the attack.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalNeed-adapted and Individualized Psychocardiological Intervention in Patients with Myocardial Infarction to Reduce Consequential Psychological Diseases
Integrating individualized psychocardiological interventions into standard therapy in the early phase after a myocardial infarction can improve quality of life and reduce psychological comorbidity.
RCTPatients' perceptions of their heart attack and recovery: the influence of epidemiological "evidence" and personal experience.
People following heart attacks may not trust official accounts of cause and recovery, leading them to question the rationality of lifestyle change for prevention.
Observational StudyHighly Cited