Screen heart patients for psychological distress

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study reveals that people with heart disease have higher levels of psychological distress than the rest of the population.
Previous research has shown a link between depression and heart problems. Now the largest ever population-based survey reveals a higher level of psychological illness among those with heart disease.

There were over 17,500 people in the survey, with various forms of heart disease. Of these, 644 had a significant level of psychological distress. This is higher than in the general population. Those whose problem had been diagnosed in the previous 12 months were especially likely to be affected. Only one third had sought help for their depression, anxiety or other psychological issue. The findings suggest that doctors should be more aware of the high risk of psychological problems coming with a diagnosis of heart disease. Such problems should be taken seriously, because other research has shown a link between psychological distress and increased mortality from heart disease.

Source
European Heart Journal 9th June 2005