Heart specialists in the UAE urge patients recovering from heart attacks to be vigilant for signs of anxiety and depression, warning of their potential impacts on the healing process.
Heart attacks are not just a physical challenge, but also a significant emotional one. Beyond the physical recovery, addressing emotional aftershocks and mental health concerns is crucial for heart attack survivors.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 to 40 minutes, three to four times a week, is encouraged for overall health [1]. However, most patients should avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks, but many can resume their regular daily routines within one to two weeks, depending on their recovery [2].
Dr Kandasamy, a specialist cardiologist, recommends a balanced, sustainable diet that focuses on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats such as those found in nuts and PUFA oils, and minimizing sugary foods and beverages [3]. For smoking cessation, behavioural strategies, medication when needed, and identifying personal triggers are emphasized [4].
Emotional support from family members plays a critical role in the healing process. Involving family members for educational purposes and day-to-day motivation can be beneficial [2]. Dr Shady Habboush, a consultant interventional cardiologist, emphasizes that effective healing starts with listening [5].
Cardiac rehabilitation programs are not mandatory but are highly recommended for most patients. These programs help assess and individualize a patient's functional capacity, enhance cardiovascular fitness, provide psychological support, and help modify cardiac risk factors [6].
Paying attention to subtle emotional indicators, such as silence, hesitation, or a shift in tone when patients talk about the future, can help identify emotional red flags [7]. Many patients may not volunteer feelings of anxiety or depression unless asked, so simple screening tools like the PHQ-2 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety can be used during follow-up visits or cardiac rehab [8].
Experts recommend not waiting until signs of more profound emotional distress emerge; they advise referring patients to mental health professionals or cardiac support groups if they notice signs of clinical depression, anxiety, or fear of recurrence [9]. A supportive spouse, caring son or daughter, can make meals, manage medications, or encourage walks when motivation is low.
Key approaches to addressing mental health needs include seeking professional support, particularly mental health counseling like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps survivors identify and restructure negative thought patterns related to their experience, reducing anxiety and depression [3][4]. Building a support network of family, friends, and peer groups to provide emotional encouragement and reduce feelings of isolation is also recommended [2][3].
Stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, physical activity, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies that foster self-worth and resilience are also important [1][2][4]. Medication management for anxiety or depression when prescribed, to prevent worsening mental health that could increase the risk of further cardiac events, is another key strategy [2].
Encouraging gradual emotional processing by recognizing and accepting complex feelings like fear, anger, and sadness is important; patience and self-compassion improve confidence and long-term adjustment [1][3]. Carer involvement and self-care, since caregivers also face emotional challenges and supporting a survivor’s mental health can be enhanced by caring for the caregiver’s well-being and connecting them to support groups, is also essential [3].
Overall, combining psychological therapies like CBT with a strong, understanding support system and lifestyle strategies that promote emotional regulation can effectively address the mental health needs of heart attack survivors beyond the physical recovery phase. This comprehensive approach also helps reduce the risk of recurrent cardiac problems linked to untreated mental health issues [2][4].
References:
[1] American Heart Association. (2021). Emotional well-being after a heart attack. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understanding-recovery-and-rehabilitation/emotional-well-being-after-a-heart-attack
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart attack recovery: Emotional healing. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/in-depth/heart-attack-recovery/art-20047613
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Psychological and emotional care after a heart attack. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14742-psychological-and-emotional-care-after-a-heart-attack
[4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Heart disease and depression. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-disease-and-depression
[5] International Modern Hospital Dubai. (2021). Heart attack recovery: The invisible wound. Retrieved from https://www.imhdubai.com/blog/heart-attack-recovery-the-invisible-wound/
[6] Saudi German Hospital, Dubai. (2021). Cardiac rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.sgch.ae/services/cardiac-rehabilitation/
[7] Aster Hospital Qusais. (2021). Emotional support for heart patients. Retrieved from https://www.asterhospitals.com/qusais/services/emotional-support-for-heart-patients
[8] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Depression in adults: recognition and management. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/chapter/1-Recommendations
[9] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2021). Anxiety and depression. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression
- For overall health, regular aerobic exercise is encouraged, yet most patients should avoid strenuous activity during the initial four to six weeks of recovery.
- Dr Kandasamy, a specialist cardiologist, advises a balanced, sustainable diet that focuses on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and minimizes sugary foods.
- Emotional support from family members plays a significant role in the healing process of heart attack survivors, and involving them for educational purposes can be beneficial.
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs, while not mandatory, are highly recommended, as they help assess and individualize a patient's functional capacity, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and provide psychological support.
- During follow-up visits or cardiac rehab, simple screening tools like the PHQ-2 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety can help identify emotional red flags, as many patients may not volunteer their feelings unless asked.
- Experts recommend not waiting for signs of profound emotional distress to emerge; instead, they advise referring patients to mental health professionals or cardiac support groups if they notice signs of clinical depression, anxiety, or fear of recurrence.
- A supportive network of family, friends, and peer groups is recommended for emotional encouragement and reducing feelings of isolation, while stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can also be helpful for addressing the mental health needs of heart attack survivors.
