Losing heart: how mental health can affect cardiac recovery
Anxiety, depression and stress can hinder the success of patients attending cardiac rehabilitation.
A new study by PhD candidate, Angela Rao, revealed the prevalence of poor mental health among heart patients, and its impact on their recovery.
Anxiety, depression and stress can reduce the ability of patients to manage their symptoms and successfully complete their cardiac rehabilitation.
Rao says, “Depression and anxiety can also impair the ability to retain new information needed to make health-related behaviour changes.”
Because of this, Rao has urged clinicians to screen for depression and anxiety at the beginning and end of rehabilitation to identify those who need extra help to improve mental health and raise participation.
“If you think you may need extra support or are hesitant to seek help, it’s advisable to attend the initial assessment as a first step,” she says.
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