Anxiety, depression, and heart disease are common conditions that can often occur together. Research indicates that there is a relationship between these three conditions and it is important that they are addressed as they can impact your recovery if you have had a cardiac event.

• There is now evidence to show that depression can be as a big risk factor for heart disease as smoking or high blood pressure
• Depression can also affect the recovery of people with heart disease and increase their risk of further problems
• People with depression have also found to be more likely to smoke or to have diabetes
• Those with depression (due to the effect it has on the individual) are generally poorer at taking their prescribed medication
• Anxiety is also a risk factor for heart attacks and other heart-related conditions
• Many people with anxiety also have depression
• People who are socially isolated or do not have quality social support are also at greater risk of developing heart disease
• Stressful life events such as losing a loved one or prolonged stress due to pressures at work are linked to increased risk of heart disease