The Relation Between Heart Disease and Mental Health

(Photo : Milad Fakurian on Unsplash)

Heart disease and mental illness are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

We all know the importance of heart health and how to boost a strong cardiovascular system. However, it might come as a surprise that a person's mental state can also impact cardiac function.

Previous research suggests the link between heart disease and mental illness; some may even indicate that both may cause one another. However, the precise nature of their relation to each other has not yet been established.

How Does Mental Health Affect the Heart

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for both men and women worldwide. On the other hand, mental illness is a wide cause of disability, with nearly 1 billion people living with mental health conditions.

Research suggests that mental illness should be recognised as a risk factor for heart diseases like other chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Health experts are spending more time looking at the relationship between heart disease and mental health. Some may suggest that it is a "two-way street" where people suffering from depression have a higher risk of cardiac arrest, and those with heart conditions experience a higher risk of mental illness.

Here are a few of the heart-brain correlations:

• Stress can increase the cortisone levels in the brain, leading to arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and heart damage.

• People who smoke are more likely to suffer from mental issues than non-smokers. Smoking is also proven to have a detrimental effect on heart conditions.

• Nearly 40% of people with existing heart conditions exhibit signs of mental illness.

With cardiac disease being one of the leading causes of death and mental problems spiking due to COVID-10, it is vital to have physical and mental wellness in check.

For anyone experiencing symptoms of heart disease, mental illness, or both, getting the right help and knowledge about the condition is essential. It is also important to employ a few techniques that can help prevent and reduce the risk.

Overlapping Symptoms Between Heart Disease and Mental Illness

Mental illness and heart disease are two distinct medical conditions, but they can share certain symptoms due to the complex interactions between the brain and the body.

Overlapping symptoms may include chest pain, palpitations, low energy, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleeping difficulty. It is important to observe warning signs and be attentive to the body to recognise what is abnormal for you.

While evidence suggests between the two, the good news is there are many solutions to help manage both. These five healthy lifestyle practices help you take charge of both your physical and mental health.

Eat a Balanced Diet

What we put into the plate plays a huge factor in our overall well-being. Healthy eating habits and smart food choices, such as whole grains and lean protein, can help reduce the chances of heart disease.

Surprisingly, the same food types are also known to help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cut Down on Alcohol

While drinking a glass or two is not always bad, this practice can be bad news for people suffering from mental health conditions.

Alcohol is considered a depressant, which can exacerbate the feeling of hopelessness and trigger anxiety. Excessive drinking can also interfere with keeping blood sugar at bay, increases blood pressure and is also known to contribute to cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle).

Manage Stress Levels

Stress levels can be on the rise with the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our lives.

Chronic stress can result in several mental and physical health problems, including headaches, chest pain, sleeping problems, anxiety, etc. All of these can negatively impact a person's heart health and mental well-being.

Learning stress management techniques and self-care practices can help.

Engage in an Exercise Routine

Routine exercises can bring benefits to both the body and mind. It helps improve heart health, resulting in well-managed blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Staying active also boosts serotonin levels, which help enhance "happy" moods. Even mild to moderate exercises can have a profound effect on mental health issues.

One study suggests that a few minutes of walking a day can help reduce the risk of major depression by 26%.

Learn First Aid

When a person experiences a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular emergencies, immediate action can help limit further damage to the heart and brain. Similarly, in the case of mental health crises, early intervention and appropriate first aid can help prevent further escalation of symptoms.

Learning first aid, including mental health first aid, can help individuals respond more quickly to emergencies, which can improve outcomes for both heart health and mental illness. In the case of a heart attack, every second counts, and providing prompt first aid intervention can make the difference between life and death.

Overall, learning how to identify the signs and symptoms and how to respond appropriately can make a big difference in improving heart health and mental illness outcomes.