People who are depressed are more likely to have a heart attack, and people who have already had a heart attack are more likely to become depressed. According to the American Heart Association, between 15-20 percent of people who have had a heart attack become depressed. This figure is much higher than the national average of 6/7 percent.
When a person who has already had a heart attack becomes depressed and the condition lasts for six months or more, their risk of dying within seven years doubles. A person in that state may not eat well or exercise regularly, which puts them at increased risk for a heart attack. They are also less likely to take their heart medication, which will lead to negative health consequences whether they are suffering from depression or not. All heart attack patients should be routinely screened for depression.
