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Mental Health Can Affect Your Heart Health

Research shows that mental health can be associated with risk factors for heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who experience long-term depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD may experience an increased cardiac reactivity.
This can include:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Reduced flow to the heart
• Heightened levels of cortisol

Over time, these effects could lead to calcium buildup in the arteries, metabolic disease, and heart disease.

In turn, evidence shows that a cardiac event (like heart failure, stroke, or heart attack) can create depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This may increase the chance of adopting behaviors that can increase heart disease risk, such as smoking or an inactive lifestyle.

Addressing mental health issues early can reduce your risk of experiencing a heart-disease event. Be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about any concerns.