Navigating the Emotional Effects of Heart Disease

Have you recently discovered that you have a serious heart problem or undergone a heart procedure?

Have you felt on edge or excessively worried, easily angered or just scared to do anything ever since?

This video was made just for you. It’s our hope it will help you understand why you are feeling this way and what you can do about it.

In the United States, heart disease is responsible for 30% of all deaths. The sudden onset of a "heart event “with the possibility of death and the feelings of loss of control and helplessness

can be traumatic and have lasting effects on a survivor’s mental health.

Some people after experiencing these stressful events will go on to develop symptoms of an acute stress disorder or even post-traumatic stress (PTSD).

According to one study, 40% of women and 23% of men will report high anxiety and depression four months after a cardiac event.

Symptoms of anxiety, depression and fear of death can cause behavioral and personality changes. Anger and frustration occur due to changes in the physical capacity of the body.

These symptoms can significantly impact recovery.

High levels of anxiety and depression may be signs of Cardiac Event-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Cardiac-Event PTSD can be triggered by exposure to a newly diagnosed heart disease, acute cardiac event such as a heart attack, bypass surgery or sudden cardiac arrest and/or a cardiac intervention.

These feelings can be manifested in many ways. Patients may fear dying with any exertional activity. The postoperative pain and soreness may make them feel that the event is happening all over again.

They wonder- what if it happens again? Will it be worse? Will I die?

They may not want to take their medicines as it reminds them of their disease.

They may become easily agitated over the simplest of things.

This what Cardiac Induced PTSD feels like.

Intrusive thoughts of the event such as nightmares or disturbing memories. Avoidance of traumatic stimuli- for example not taking medicines. Negative changes in mood and ability to think clearly, decreased interest in activities. Hyperarousal – always being on guard, startled easily.

It is not unusual to have some feelings of depression and worry after having a cardiac event or surgery.

You can help yourself by:

1. Educating yourself about what has happened and what a realistic recovery period is. Patients often think if they are not fully back to normal with a few weeks something is wrong. Sometimes, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to fully get back to “normal.”

2. Take your medications and follow up with your doctor as prescribed. It is critical that you see your physician during your recovery so that he/she can make sure everything is going well and you have an opportunity to have your questions answered. Don’t avoid taking your medications: it will only make matters worse. If you have questions talk to your doctor.

3. Physical activity has some real benefits for not only your recovery but also for your mood. Walking can improve depression and assist in moving your recovery along.

4. Stay in touch with family and friends. Having a social network is critical for your recovery.

5. Stay away from junk food. Now is not the time to eat McDonalds or the like. Good nutrition is so important to your recovery and can help fight depression and worry.

6. Sleep – you may need extra- don’t deny yourself. If you need a nap, take one.

7. Try making some art. A deep sense of loss and grief underlies the anxiety and depression patients feel after a cardiac event. Art therapy can open up another avenue to express those feelings when words seem to be at a loss. Remember you are not looking to be the next Monet or Jackson Pollack. You just want to find a way to help relieve your mind. So no judgement about what you produce.

8. If all else fails, find a mental health counselor to help you. Sometimes the grief and sense of loss associated with a critical illness is just overwhelming and you need help dealing with it.

We hope you never need this number but just in case: National Suicide Hotline (24/7) -988

Just as spring flowers push through the cold blanket of snow, so too can you overcome the emotional challenges of heart disease. There are brighter days ahead.