High Depression amongst Heart Patients

It is reported that one out of every five heart patients suffers from major depression. It is found that these patients needs hospital care within a year and their chances of dying due to heart attack is very high. This is according to the research by HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ( AHRQ ). These patients when hospitalized were noticed to suffer from depression for one month to four months. Some are even found to suffer even after being discharge.

According to study conducted, major depression lasts 2 weeks. Depression is generally accompanied by many symptoms such as feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism, lack of confidence and more. This eventually results in lack of interest in life. The depression that begins while the patient is hospitalized can continue to affect psychological and physical health for around 5 years even when the patient is discharged.

According to national hospital data from AHRQ, in 2002, around 765,000 Americans were discharged following treatment for heart attacks. AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, said," This report provides the scientific evidence clinicians need to know about the prevalence of depression in heart attack survivors, how depression affects these patients, and the need to treat the disease early, ”.

Study results show high incidence

Study reveals that depression can be overcome by proper meditation. Even counseling and certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are found to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression. Further studies are going for getting better solution to get rid of depression.