From the Third Metric Straight to the Heart

In this study, 58 percent with moderate to severe depression had heart disease compared to 38 percent with mild or no depression. Depression is a critical piece that cannot be ignored, and should be addressed. The reality is, it could be hidden and masked within the doctor's office or to the people that might be able to help. Behind closed doors, though, we also know that often leads to other unhealthy behaviors and a decrease in someone's ability to care for herself. I don't want to over-simplify matters like depression, nor do I want to tell you that getting a hobby will cure your heart disease. I understand the complexity of the body, the heart, and the mind. However, what I want you to understand is that we cannot ignore the inner life of a woman when evaluating her heart disease risk. If she is socially isolated, without having friends or family who are confidantes and companions, who give emotional support and concern, that is an independent risk. There is no doubt. In a study of 3,432 heart attack survivors, ages 18-55 years old from the VIRGO trial, analyzing heart attacks especially in younger women, those with low social support tended to smoke, abuse alcohol and have other risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. It is clear that we all need to be surrounded by support to allow us to share our lives, our thoughts, our feelings, and to help nurture our needs. In women, the need to connect with people, to "tend and befri...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news