If you have depression the good news is that the mental anguish you suffer is not a risk factor in heart attacks or stroke. However certain physical symptoms of depression are linked to atherosclerosis, hardening of the coronary arteries, which does cause heart attacks and stroke.
A study reported in the HealthDay News, “found that depressive symptoms, but not anxiety and anger, were associated with greater thickening of the arteries over time. Further analyses indicated that only the physical symptoms of depression were associated with thickening arteries, while the cognitive and emotional symptoms of depression, such as sadness, pessimism, and indecisiveness, were not related.”
Depression’s specific physical symptoms associated with atherosclerosis are:
- Lack of sleep;
- Poor appetite;
- and fatigue.
Dr Jessie Stewart explains why the distinction between cognitive/and or emotional symptoms versus physical symptoms is important for people at risk for heart attack or stroke..
“Identifying the most harmful aspect of depression is important, because we will then know which specific components to target with our treatments.”
The best strategy is to address and manage depression up front. The good news is that you will reduce negative thinking and emotional suffering while eliminating a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
