Depression Causes Heart Disease; Stress Does Not!

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Depression Causes Heart Disease; Stress Does Not!

The above title summarises the state of the relationship between heart disease and our emotional lives.

The conclusion from the multiple experts involved is that the risk of heart disease is anything from double the risk to five times the risk, depending on 

  1. The presence and severity of depression.  Mild depression multiplies the risk of heart disease by a factor of 2 to a factor of 5, directly proportional to the severity of the depression.
  2. Social isolation/loneliness also multiples the risk of heart disease by the same amount as above, ie from double to five times the risk, depending on how bad the situation is.

 

Practical Implications:

It has been shown quite conclusively that depression and loneliness are just as dangerous as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or cigarette smoking in causing heart disease.  It is therefore very important to ensure you do not have depression and ensure those close to you do not have depression, just as you ensure their diet and blood pressure are sensible.

FACTORS CONSIDERED UNLIKELY TO CAUSE DEPRESSION

This in-depth examination of multiple scientific articles from around the world has concluded that long term stresses such as a difficult work situation do not cause an increased risk of heart disease.  Equally, being very time pressured or very busy or being a very anxious person (with or without panic attacks) are described as not increasing the risk of heart disease.  Sudden stressful events such as terrorism or the death of someone close to you may be the final straw causing heart disease to manifest itself, such as by a heart attack or an attack of Angina.

However,  there have been a number of studies which came to the conclusion that the factors listed above did indeed contribute to heart disease.  They explain the basis for concluding, in scientific terms, why they were not convinced about these studies and therefore reached the conclusion that the elements described in this section have not been proven to contribute to heart disease.

Important Disclaimer:  This site is medical information only and is not to be taken as diagnosis, advice or treatment, which can only be decided by your own doctor.