Depression and Cardiovascular Disease

Depression and Cardiovascular Disease

The Cardiac Behavioral Medicine team specializes in helping patients and their families adjust to a diagnosis and cope with challenges throughout the course of treatment. The team's techniques include strategies that encourage behavior change, improve coping strategies, minimize stress, reduce emotional distress, help with extended hospitalizations, and prepare for an upcoming procedure or surgery.

Cardiac patients have a greater chance of developing depression, which can lead to repeat cardiac events or hospitalization and—in severe situations—can hasten death. The symptoms of depression may include fatigue, change in appetite, decreased motivation, feelings of guilt or sadness, diminished concentration, change in sleep pattern, and a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable.

Depression can keep patients from complying with treatment recommendations and making behavior changes that are necessary for healing. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, the specialists on our Cardiac Behavioral Medicine team can help.

Patients with depression related to their cardiovascular disease may also experience anxiety or stress, and may benefit from changing lifestyle behaviors. We also offer guidance on recovery from a cardiac event and help with preparing for and recovering from surgery.