Heart Attack and Stroke: The Importance of Mental Well-being

Heart attacks and strokes are life-threatening conditions. After experiencing such an event, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels for recurrence prevention is crucial. But that's not all. Recent studies suggest that alongside physical recovery, long-term attention to mental health is also vital. This is because individuals who have suffered a heart attack or stroke are more prone to experiencing psychological issues like depression and anxiety.

History of Heart Attack/Stroke and Suicide Risk

A research team from Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Center analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Service and found that individuals with a history of heart attack or stroke have a 43% higher risk of suicide. The study tracked 37,912 patients who had experienced a heart attack or stroke for approximately 11 years, during which 1,250 suicide deaths occurred. Notably, those who experienced both a heart attack and a stroke saw their suicide risk increase by a staggering 85%.

Mental Health Check-ups Needed, Even Without a Depression Diagnosis

Interestingly, psychological issues were observed even in patients who had not been previously diagnosed with depression. This implies that if you've had a heart attack or stroke, it's essential to monitor your mental well-being, regardless of any depression diagnosis. It's important to remember that cardiovascular diseases require not only physical recovery but also mental recovery.

Physical Recovery Must Be Paired with Emotional Healing

Especially for middle-aged and older patients, returning to their previous physical strength and lifestyle after discharge can be challenging, even when told they are