We all know the connection between mental health and physical health is complex, but did you know that your mental health can actually have a direct impact on your heart health? In honor of American Heart Month (a designation given to the month of February to highlight cardiovascular health), we will explore how different behavioral health conditions can affect heart health, as well as provide practical tips and insights into how you can improve your mental health, cardiovascular fitness, and overall well-being.
Defining Mental Health and Heart Health
Mental health is a broad term that encompasses mental, emotional, and social well-being. It examines how individuals function in their daily lives and experience mental and emotional stability. In contrast, heart health is an important factor in physical health that assesses the function of the heart and the impact it has on overall body operation.
Both mental health and heart health have been studied extensively to determine the connection between heart disease and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The result of nearly every one of these studies suggests that mental health is as important as physical health when diagnosing and treating heart conditions (De Hert, 2018).
How Poor Mental Health Can Lead to Heart Disease
We now know that poor mental health can have a detrimental impact on one’s physical health. Research has consistently shown that mental health conditions may put individuals at higher risk for developing or exacerbating existing or old heart conditions (De Hert, 2018). Additional studies have revealed an association between psychological distress and an increased risk of developing heart disease (SAMHSA, 2018).
These studies suggest that poor mental health plays a somewhat significant role in the development of cardiovascular problems, including:
- Congestive heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Stroke
- Sudden cardiac death
In one study conducted by the University of Cambridge, researchers found that people experiencing psychological distress were three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who were not under any stress (University of Cambridge, 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes that poor mental health can lead to physical illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases like stroke, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure (WHO,2021). Ultimately, it is important to remember that mental health should not be overlooked when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart, as poor mental is quite often linked with serious cardiovascular issues, particularly if they are left unchecked for extended periods of time. For this reason, it is essential to monitor your emotions and seek help if needed to prevent any further repercussions on your overall well-being. WHO recommends lifestyle changes and seeking professional help when needed to address any underlying mental health concerns before they worsen or lead to further complications.
To learn more about ways you can take care of your mental health, or if you are ready to embrace your mental health journey, contact Embrace Health today! We are a virtual practice offering teletherapy and telepsychiatry to Iowa residents. We offer a variety of telehealth services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatry appointments. All you need is reliable Wi-Fi and a smartphone, laptop, or tablet! To book your first appointment, click here!
The Link Between Depression and Heart Attacks
Mental health and heart disease are closely intertwined, with depression being a significant factor in having an increased risk of heart attack or stroke (WHO, 2021). Depression is more than just feeling down or feeling less happy than usual. It is a serious medical condition that can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss or gain, insomnia, and aches and pains.
Depression can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system, which in turn can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Depression can also affect the way your body responds to stress. People who are depressed are more likely to have higher levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. This can make them more susceptible to developing cardiovascular disease. Consequently, it is important for those experiencing depression to receive medical treatment that focuses on their mental health as well as their physical health. By improving their quality of mental well-being, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Reducing emotional stress and maintaining good mental health are therefore essential for maintaining a healthy heart.
Stress and Its Impact on the Cardiovascular System
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. Chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease. When you’re under stress, your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can put a strain on your cardiovascular system. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
It is important to take the correct measures to reduce stress levels and protect one’s cardiovascular system from long-term negative impacts (Medical News Today, 2021). These corrective measures can include:
- Deep breathing techniques
- Physical exercise
- Progressive muscle relaxation techniques
- Talking to a trusted friend or counselor about your stress-related issues
Ultimately, reducing stress-induced harm to our cardiovascular systems is essential for continued good health.
Managing Anxiety to Protect Your Heart
Taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health, especially when it comes to anxiety and heart health. Anxiety can strain your cardiovascular system in many ways, including increasing your heart rate and raising your blood pressure, which can lead to long-term health concerns. Therefore, managing anxiety levels is a key factor for maintaining a healthy heart.
There are many strategies and healthy coping mechanisms that individuals can use to manage their anxiety, like regular exercise, yoga, journaling, and even limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol intake. By understanding the link between anxiety and heart health, people can start adopting healthier habits for anxiety management to help ensure their hearts remain healthy now and in the future.
Tips for Improving Your Mental Health to Help Your Heart Health
Looking for mental health tips that can also benefit your heart? Mental health and heart health are intricately linked, and it’s important to understand how poor mental health can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system, leading to a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help manage anxiety, depression, and stress to help protect one’s heart.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of your overall health. By paying attention to your mental health and making lifestyle changes accordingly, you can protect your heart and keep yourself healthy, both physically and mentally, for years to come.
While you can’t change some risk factors for heart disease, such as your family history or age, there are things you can do to improve your mental health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating nutritious foods helps reduce stress levels and improve mood and energy levels. Eating a healthy diet also helps to protect against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar control. In particular, eating vegetables has been linked to improved mental clarity and better cognitive function.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep helps improve mood and reduce stress levels. Getting enough sleep also helps to protect against heart disease by reducing blood pressure and improving blood sugar control.
- Get regular exercise: Exercise and physical activity can help to relieve stress, improve concentration, and increase your overall mental resilience. Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress levels. Exercise also helps protect against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar control.
- Incorporate self-care: Setting aside time for relaxation and self-care on a regular basis is important. Whether you choose to write in a journal, read a book, connect with friends, or just take a break from screentime, practicing self-care can do wonders for improving both mental and emotional health.
- Practice mindfulness: Positive lifestyle changes and stress-reducing strategies like yoga, meditation,and deep breathing exercises can also help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and inner peace.
In conclusion, mental health conditions are major risk factors for developing heart disease, but it is important to remember that most people with mental health concerns will never develop heart disease. There are many things that people can do to reduce their risk, including implementing the tips we have listed throughout this article. If you have any concerns about your risk of developing heart disease, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Through Embrace Health’s telepsychiatry services, we empower individuals to take control of their mental well-being. We offer a variety of telehealth services to individuals from all walks of life – from individual therapy sessions to online psychiatry appointments. With our services, you don’t have to suffer alone or wait another moment longer – all you need is reliable wi-fi, and a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Make sure your physical health and mental wellness are taken care of by calling us today. Let us show you how our services can make a positive difference in your life.
To learn more about ways you can take care of your mental health, or if you are ready to embrace your mental health journey, contact Embrace Health today!
References:
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2016). Mental health services act. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www00samhsa0gov/grantsHow Does Mental Health Affect Heart Health?
De Hert, M., Detraux, J., & Vancampfort, D. (2018). The intriguing relationship between coronary heart disease and mental disorders. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 20(1), 31–40. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/mdehert
CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Heart disease and mental health disorders. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/mentalhealth.htm
University of Cambridge (2019). Inflammation links heart disease and depression, study finds. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/inflammation-links-heart-disease-and-depression-study-finds
WHO-The World Health Organization (2021). Depression. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
NIMH-National Institute of Mental Health (2018). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
Medical News Today (2021). What is PMR? Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/progressive-muscle-relaxation-pmr
