Health x Wellness
The Invisible Link Between Heart Disease and Mental Health
In recent years, the complex (and often overlooked) relationship between heart disease and mental health has captured growing interest from both researchers and healthcare professionals.
Heart disease is frequently perceived as a purely physical ailment; however, emerging evidence indicates that psychological factors significantly influence cardiovascular health. Although the focus has traditionally been on physical conditions, it is essential to recognise the interplay of these factors because they can greatly impact overall health outcomes.
Heart Disease and Mental Health: What You Should Understand
This concept encompasses various forms of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. However, it cannot be overstated that prevention plays a crucial role, as many heart conditions are avoidable. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths in 2019, accounting for about 32 percent of all global deaths.
In Singapore, CVDs are also a major health concern, contributing significantly to mortality rates. Each passing year, it is estimated that nearly one-third of deaths in the capital city stem from heart-related issues alone, according to data from the Singapore Heart Foundation.
In contrast, disorders of the mind such as depression and anxiety are increasingly difficult challenges for public health worldwide, impairing not only an individual’s well-being but physical health as well. Indeed, a local study revealed that among patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), over one in eight experienced heightened anxiety levels, while one in ten were affected by increased depression. The links between physical and mental health must not be overlooked, as both influence one another significantly.
The Bidirectional Relationship
The connection or relationship between cardiovascular disease and mental health is bidirectional; individuals who are suffering from chronic stress or mental health disorders are at a greater risk of developing heart disease. However, those who have heart disease often undergo heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Although this cycle can create a vicious loop, it exacerbates both conditions because of the interconnected nature of these health issues.
Statistical Insights
- Leading Cause of Death: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a primary cause of death globally; Singapore is no exception, as CVD contributes to more than a third of all deaths.
- Mortality Trends: Using the age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) for CVD in Singapore, sources show that the initial sharp decline in ASMR slowed down, highlighting the need to redouble efforts.
- Risk Factor Trends: Steadily increasing rates of the principal CVD risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high LDL levels, and obesity in Singapore.
- Economic Burden: This reveals that CVD has an economic cost of around 8.1 USD billion or 11.5 SGD billion in Singapore, showing its significant toll on the system.
The Role of Psychological Stress
Psychological stress can also result in a variety of physiological changes that compromise heart health. Stress releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which drive up heart rate and blood pressure. In the long run, these shifts can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Common Stressors
- Stress at work: In high-stress occupations, stress can be chronic, which has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease.
- Lifestyle transition: Events such as a divorce or losing someone you love can bring about a lot of grief/negative feelings.
- Social isolation: Social isolation (inability to have social connections) goes hand in hand with loneliness and social isolation and is associated with adverse cardiovascular health.
Heart Health and Mental Well-being
Like other body organs, the heart requires physical risk management and protects psychological health. Here are some ways in which mental health influences heart health:
- Lifestyle Choices: Depressed persons may internally harm themselves by bad diets, smoking, and inactivity, which are conditions that may lead to heart complications.
- Adherence to Treatment: Common mental health conditions may impair the extent to which an individual follows the treatment regimen protocols recommended for heart disease patients.
Strategies for Better Heart and Mental Health
Adopting a holistic lifestyle that nurtures cardiovascular fitness and psychological well-being demands implementing practices supporting their synergy. Here are some ways to promote both heart health and mental well-being:
- Physical exercise has numerous advantages: moderate aerobic activity, which is a minimum of 150 minutes weekly, significantly reduces anxiety and depression while enhancing heart health.
- Nutritious diets make a difference: Mediterranean or Asian regimens emphasising veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds, along with sustainably sourced seafood and grass-fed meats, may alleviate dysphoria and better cardiovascular function.
- Mindfulness has measurable merit: Taking respite to engage in meditative movements, such as yoga, tai chi, or relaxed breathing coordinating with the ebb and flow of ocean waves, can help manage stress. Reconnecting to inner stillness for moments each day or week supports holistic well-being.
- Social support networks are sustaining: connecting with a trusted community through honest dialogue and shared activities provides an emotional safety net. Laughter and tears with caring people strengthen resilience and lift spirits and health.
- Checkups shield and guide: Routine cardiological and mental evaluations screen for potential issues, enabling timely treatment. Annual exams, considering both physiological and psychological facets, maintain wellness.
The Importance of Integrated Care
Acknowledging the interdependence between heart disease and mental health demands an integrated care method for healthcare. Medical professionals must consider bodily and mental facets when diagnosing and caring for patients. This may involve:
- Cross-disciplinary models whereby psychological specialists collaborate with cardiologists.
- Thorough evaluations cover assessments for both heart health risks and mental health issues.
- Educating individuals on how modifications to daily habits can increase physical and emotional wellness.
The complex relationship between heart disease and mental health continues to be a critical area of scientific study. Understanding these interconnections enables healthcare providers to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. An integrated approach to psychological stress and cardiovascular disease can significantly improve outcomes for individuals affected by these conditions. The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre offers heart health screenings for those seeking cardiac risk assessment and prevention measures. A life that starts from the present can shape the way toward a healthier tomorrow, both physically and emotionally.
Article and image contributed by The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre.
The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre helps you with a wide range of heart and vascular conditions. Whether you are looking for a general check-up or the right treatment plan, our internationally recognised specialists are trained to give you the best possible care and guidance.
