Depression and Arrhythmia
Depression can now be related to a potentially fatal heart arrhythmia.
A Duke Medical Center study linking depression with a heart problem was presented recently at the American Psychosomatic Society annual meeting in Vancouver. A group led by psychiatrist Lana Watkins reported a strong association between depression and ventricular tachycardia, an abnormally rapid and irregular heart beat that is often a precursor of sudden death.
Watkins' research team tested 72 patients admitted to the hospital with heart attacks, and found that 13 of them had clinical depression. The incidence of the abnormal heartbeat was three times higher in those depressed patients than in those who were not depressed.
The study is "a heads-up for physicians that depression is associated with this arrhythmia," Watkins said.
This news indicates that many people suffering from arrhythmia do not have the correct information, resources, or support to even realize that their symptoms of depression may indicate a condition that could further threaten their health.
Symptoms of Depression
* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
* Appetite and/or weight changes
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Restlessness, irritability
If five or more of these symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks and interfere with routine daily
activities such as work, self-care, and childcare or social life, seek an evaluation for depression.
National Institute of Mental Health |
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