Receiving a diagnosis of a heart condition, whether as a result of an acute event or after a period of feeling unwell, is never welcome. If it happens to you, you need to look after not only your heart but also your mental health: they are closely entwined.
It’s little surprise that the British Heart Foundation found that 68 per cent of people they asked said their condition had affected them mentally, emotionally or psychologically.
And the mental health effects of heart disease can be significant. A fifth of people who have had an acute cardiac event experience serious depression and another quarter experience minor depression. Around a quarter of people with congestive heart failure show depressive symptoms. Many never seek help, but it seems that depression makes it harder for people to look after themselves and to follow treatment and rehabilitation for their heart, so they recover less well.
What’s more, depression has been associated with a four-fold increase in the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people so if you think you may be depressed you must take it seriously, not only in its own right but also because of its connection to heart disease.
You may find that some people say that feeling depressed is a normal response to having a long-term illness, and this may include some of the health workers you meet. But if you think you may be depressed, seek treatment because no one should suffer depression, whether they have a heart condition or not.
Twice as likely: putting long-term conditions and depression on the agenda, Arthritis Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Depression Alliance, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, 2012.
‘Heart disease and mental health’, Heart Matters, British Heart Foundation,
‘Primary Care Guidance: Treating depression in people with coronary heart disease’, Royal College of General Practitioners Mental Health Forum, 2011.
Depression is quite common following a heart diagnosis. Around 20% of people who experience an acute cardiac event develop serious depression, and about 25% experience mild depressive symptoms.
Yes. Depression can make it harder to stick to treatment plans, attend rehab sessions, and adopt healthy lifestyle changes—ultimately slowing down recovery and affecting long-term heart health.
Feeling low initially is a natural response, but persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest may indicate depression. It’s important to seek support rather than dismiss these symptoms as ‘normal’.
Absolutely. Your mental health is a vital part of your recovery. Letting your doctor know allows them to help you access support, whether through talking therapies, lifestyle changes, or medication.
Yes. Research shows that people with depression have up to a four-fold increased risk of developing heart disease, even if they’re otherwise healthy. That’s why treating depression is important for both mental and physical wellbeing.
