The demands of modern life have lead to an unhealthy lifestyle in most of us, and this deteriorates further when people are stressed, depressed, or anxious. But do you know that these unhealthy choices can ultimately take a toll on your heart?
There is a deep, bidirectional relationship between heart disease and depression. Depression is an independent risk factor for cardiac issues in patients without known heart disease. Simultaneously patients with identified heart disease are at a higher risk of developing a diagnosis of depression. Upto 15% of patients with heart disease and 20% who have undergone bypass surgery experience depression.
Research consistently proves that your mental and emotional health has physiological effects on the heart and body.
How does depression affect the heart?
Tips for managing depression and stress
Consider the following key steps to manage depression and stress.
It is absolutely normal to feel low or anxious on certain occasions or days. However, if this becomes persistent and pervasive, for more than two weeks, the possibility of depression should be considered and appropriate action taken , including seeking help from Mental health professionals. Depression can result from various factors, such as an amalgamation of genetic vulnerability, biological, environmental, and psychosocial elements.
Some symptoms of depression to be on the lookout for include:
For those Manifesting symptoms, evaluation is highly recommended and psychotherapy with or without medication helps treat depression.
Going on a walk for 40 minutes a day, up to 300 minutes a week will benefit heart health. Half of the walk needs to be vigorous. Regular physical activity also improve your mood, is a big stress buster and eventually aids your mental and emotional well-being.
Daily practice of yoga and exercise helps in maintaining heart health. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation are also ingredients of a good lifestyle. They help control the wandering mind. Adequate sleep, 7 to 8 hours a day is necessary.
Switch to healthy and balancing diet options. Understand the concept of a balanced diet. Adopt healthier cooking techniques and ingredients to cut down on fat, sugar, salt, and calories. Consume healthy evening snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Remember to ‘eat the rainbow ‘, fruits and vegetables of different colours, and avoid HFSS foods (high fat, salt and sugar).
Optimistic people are healthier, have lesser illnesses, they are happier and more productive and successful. Furthermore, optimism is now know to increase our lifespan. The mind can be gradually trained to adopt optimistic and healthy thinking patterns.
It is not possible to expect overnight changes in your health and lifestyle. Adopt one habit at a time and continue it with determination and perseverance.
The bottom line
Depression and heart disease are among the most restricting lifestyle conditions that the present generation is facing. Nothing is more important than your mental and physical health. Always keep them on priority and handle them with proper medication and assistance. Treating depression is as essential as treating any other medical condition or disease. Depression and anxiety should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further risk of heart disease.
Appropriate medical assistance from an expert can help improve the overall health and decrease the risk of heart disease. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms of depression, you can consult a mental health expert at Medanta.
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