Cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing are intricately linked, a connection that has been largely overlooked in conventional medicine. Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a US-based cardiologist and heart transplant surgeon, recently brought this connection to the forefront in a widely shared Instagram post. Known online as @heart_transplant_doc, he highlighted findings from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) that suggest mental health is not just a background factor but a direct contributor to heart disease.When the body experiences prolonged stress, anxiety, or depression, it releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, and promote inflammation in blood vessels—all of which strain the cardiovascular system. Over time, this physiological stress can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), trigger arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), or increase the risk of heart attacks.
Understanding the relation between mental health and heart
The relationship between mental and heart health is bidirectional. While stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively affect heart function, living with heart disease can also worsen mental health. Patients with chronic heart conditions often report increased rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. This creates a vicious cycle: mental stress elevates cardiovascular risk, which can then lead to worsening mental health. Left untreated, this cycle can significantly reduce quality of life and increase mortality rates. Dr. Yaranov emphasises: “Treating the heart without treating the mind is only half the job.”This insight is particularly relevant in modern society, where lifestyle pressures, work-related stress, and social isolation contribute to rising levels of anxiety and depression globally. Ignoring the mind’s influence on the heart can lead to missed opportunities for prevention and treatment.
Recommendations to protect heart and mind
As reported in an Instagram post, check below the updated recommendations that aim to integrate mental health into cardiac care. These include:
- Screening all heart patients for mental health issues: Identifying anxiety, depression, or chronic stress early can allow timely intervention before these conditions exacerbate heart disease.
- Evaluating individuals with depression or anxiety for heart disease: Mental health conditions can be early indicators of cardiovascular problems, even in seemingly healthy individuals.
- Collaborative care models: Cardiology teams should work closely with psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
These guidelines highlight a paradigm shift in medicine: treating heart disease is no longer solely about controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, or heart rhythm. Emotional wellbeing is now recognised as a critical component of effective cardiac care.
How mental health affects cardiovascular risk
Understanding how mental stress affects the heart involves looking at several physiological processes:
- Hormonal response: Chronic stress increases cortisol and adrenaline levels, causing persistent high blood pressure and vascular inflammation.
- Autonomic nervous system imbalance: Stress can trigger overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”), leading to increased heart rate and arrhythmias.
- Inflammation: Prolonged stress and depression elevate inflammatory markers, which contribute to plaque formation in arteries.
- Lifestyle impact: Mental health conditions often affect lifestyle choices, including poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and disrupted sleep, all of which amplify cardiac risk.
These mechanisms demonstrate why treating heart disease without addressing mental health is incomplete.
How patients can protect their heart and mind
Holistic heart care involves both medical treatment and lifestyle interventions that support mental wellbeing. Strategies include:
- Stress management: Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can reduce cortisol levels and improve heart health.
- Psychological therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling can help manage anxiety and depression in heart patients.
- Regular physical activity: Exercise improves both cardiovascular and mental health, reducing stress and promoting mood-stabilising chemicals like serotonin and endorphins.
- Social support: Strong social connections can buffer against stress and reduce the risk of depression in patients with chronic heart conditions.
By adopting these strategies, patients can break the vicious cycle between heart disease and mental health, enhancing both longevity and quality of life.Also Read | Can your gut increase the risk of type 2 diabetes? Understanding the surprising link between gut health and blood sugar control
