Peaceful mind grateful heart
Authors:
Dr. Dhatri Varma
(Mental Health specialist)
In collaboration with
Dr. Amit Shrivastava
(HOD Department of Cardiac Sciences Apex Superspeciality Hospital)
According to WHO, cardiovascular diseases is the leading cause of death accounting for almost 50% of Noncommunicable deaths and Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
DOES STRESS AFFECT OUR HEART?
Any strife or discord which leads to negative emotions like depression, fear, and anxiety, is in long term a risk factor for heart diseases. This writeup is to give a perspective on the linkage between- Heart Connection of Unhealthy Mind or Mind Connection of Unhealthy Heart. An unhealthy combination of both or one can lead to a downward spiral in our quality of life.
IS STRESS BAD?
Optimal stress is good for us. It leads to an increase in the functioning of our mind and body but extremely stressful situations can lead to distress. Distress is stress which is beyond our coping mechanism and persists for too long.
HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT OUR BODY?
Eyeing the situation medically, long-term Distress leads to the secretion of high levels of cortisol and adrenaline which can bring about changes in our body leading to heart disease. Emotionally broken individuals follow unhealthy eating habits. They take the help of alcohol and smoke to relax. Excessive stress, alcohol, smoking, and an unhealthy diet lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure which in turn forces the heart to work harder. Increased stress hormone leads to cholesterol deposits in blood vessels and thickened blood which further is responsible for stroke and heart attacks. High blood pressure is the most common cause of Heart Failure.
DOES HEART ATTACK LEAD TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES?
If we see the other aspect of life most of the Cardiac Rehabilitation clinics have Mental Health Councillors as most of the cardiac patients suffer from some type of stress. ICU psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the many psychological disorders a patient may be putting up with. Depression is very common after a heart attack. As many as 20% of patients recovering from heart ailments suffer from major depressive episodes and in addition to this 20% more have mild depression.
Following a holistic approach to the treatment of heart patients-
As Doctors, we try to have a Holistic and integrated approach towards treating our patients whether it be Heart Connection of Unhealthy Mind or Mind Connection of Unhealthy Heart.
7E’s FROM A METAL HEALTH SPECIALIST:
1. EMPOWERING – Holistic treatment of heart attack survivor involves adequate medications, explaining the various pros and cons, listening to their needs instead of enslaving them with various do’s and don’ts.
2. ENGAGING – Learning to cope with stress rather than feeling overwhelmed. The caregivers, doctors, and the patient should discuss and mutually decide on a comfortable and healthy regime.
3. EMPATHY – Building a strong support network. The love and care of family and friends release the oxytocin hormone which is protective to the heart.
4. ENCOURAGING – Uplifting, cheering, and motivating the patient for achieving even small improvement in parameters.
5. EXERCISE – Exercise is a protective factor. People who exercise, are able to resist an increase in blood pressure and heart rate when in stress.
6. EATING – Advising the patient to have healthy home-cooked meals.
7. ENDING ADDICTION – Reducing Alcohol consumption and cessation of cigarette smoking.
A Cardiac surgeon can help us control our biological parameters and a mental health specialist can help us control our stress hormones.
To end this with a very famous quote of Steve Maraboli – “You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.”
REACH OUT WHEN IN NEED. WALK A MILE AND WE WILL WALK TEN.
THANK YOU.
