HEALTH & WELLNESS
Heart Health and
Depression: What
Men Need to Know
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
D
epression and heart disease affect
millions of American men—and
many experience both at the same
time. For Men’s Health Month,
learn how heart health is tied to mental
health, the symptoms of depression, and
steps to keep your heart and mind healthy.
Nearly 1 in 10 men say they feel some
depression or anxiety every day, and almost
1 in 3 have gone through a period of major
depression at some point in their lives.
Everyone can feel sad or “blue” some-
times. But depression is when feelings of
hopelessness, sadness, loss, or frustration
cause trouble with daily life. Depression can
last weeks, months, or even years.
About 1 in 13 adult men are living with
heart disease, which is also their number
one killer.
HEART DISEASE AND DEPRESSION:
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
Depression and heart disease can happen
at the same time. Some connections between
32 HimPower May/June 2019
depression and heart disease include:
• Depression that lasts longer than a
couple of weeks can lead to certain
behaviors, such as abusing alcohol or
not sleeping, that put heart health at
risk. Depression also raises the levels
of certain hormones and proteins in
the body that can cause inflammation
(swelling) and high blood pressure—
leading causes of heart disease and
stroke.
• People with depression are more likely
to have other conditions that can lead
to heart disease, including obesity and
diabetes.
• Men who have a heart condition are
more at risk for depression than men
without heart problems. Men may
feel anxious or sad about how having
heart disease will affect their lives and
finances. They may be in pain or not
feel up to starting healthy living habits
that could improve their heart health
and reduce their depression.