Depression ups heart failure risk

Heart patients suffering from depression are reported to be at an increased risk of developing heart failure, a new study finds. Previous studies had reported depression to be three times more common after a heart attack. Depressed individuals were also reported to be more prone to experiencing a second cardiac event. Depression negatively influences the body in various ways. It reduces heart rate while increasing blood factors resulting in blood clot formation and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Depressed heart patients may stop taking their heart medications and adopt unhealthy lifestyles due to their mental condition; both of which can aggravate the condition leading to more severe heart problems. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, depressed heart patients are more prone to developing heart failure -- a condition in which the heart gradually loses its ability to efficiently pump blood. While antidepressants can effectively improve depressive symptoms, they are ineffective in reducing the risk of heart failure. Scientists believe these medications are not able to alter the physical or behavioral risks associated with depression and heart failure. Scientists concluded that depression is an important risk factor for heart failure among patients with coronary heart disease; physicians are therefore urged to screen heart patients for underlying depression.