Calls for mental health support for North East heart attack survivors
New research shows a third of heart attack survivors suffer from anxiety of depression.
There are calls for better mental health support for people suffering from serious illnesses.
It’s as research out today shows that a third of heart attack survivors suffer from anxiety of depression.
Figures, from the British Heart Foundation, also show three quarters of people with heart conditions say it has a significant, ongoing impact, a third could no longer continue the work they used to do and one in five had to quit sports and hobbies.
Doctors told Tom from Gateshead that his heart problems were linked to anxiety. He said:
“There’s a lot of effort put into bringing my blood pressure down and recovering from my symptoms but very little on the mental health side of it.
“It’s just another thing to remember that you’ve got. You’re coping with the anxiety and depression but you’re also coping with the medical things that come with it.”
Stuart Dexter, Chief Exec and Tyneside Northumberland Mind, said:
“Such a huge physical health problem would affect your relationships, maybe your ability to work, your ability to carry out hobbies… that could have a huge impact because you’ll have to make massive lifestyle changes.
“In an ideal world people would receive some sort of counselling or some kind of therapeutic support to help them deal with the psychological trauma of having a heart attack as well as making sure that the heart itself is healthy.”
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, said:
“We know that recovery from a heart attack is rarely just physical. A third of heart attack survivors have told us that they have suffered with anxiety or depression and this supports our research which shows clear links between experiencing a heart event and a person’s emotional health.
“It is unacceptable that people may not be getting the support they deserve to help them resolve these issues. Through our Heart Helpline, our dedicated team of heart nurses can provide specialist support and information for heart patients to ensure they feel they know as much as possible about any matter related to their illness.
“We would encourage people to get in touch so they don’t suffer alone from the sudden, devastating and life-changing consequences that heart disease often brings.”
To contact the BHF team of Cardiac Nurses and Information Support Officers for more heart health information and support call the Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311** **or visit: