Psychological distress common in heart attack survivors
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- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Up to half of heart attack survivors experience some form of psychological distress after the event, including depression, anxiety, or stress, according to a statement from the American Heart Association published Sept. 22, 2025, in the journal Circulation.
Psychological distress after a heart attack is more common among women, unmarried people, people who are unemployed, and those who have a history of mental health issues. The phenomenon is linked to an increased risk of future heart-related problems, possibly related to unhealthy habits such as reduced exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. A direct cause-and-effect relationship has yet to be confirmed, however.
Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and meditation can help. Also, the antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are safe and effective for people with heart disease. For more information, see “Heart disease and depression: A two-way street” in the September 2025 Heart Letter.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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