This site is intended for UK healthcare professionals
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
Medscape UK Univadis Logo
News

Mental health of patients with heart and circulatory diseases

A new survey by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) indicates that more than half of the individuals with heart and circulatory diseases have experienced feelings associated with anxiety or depression. The survey involved ~5000 individuals living with conditions such as a heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

The findings showed that 58 per cent of respondents with heart and circulatory diseases reported feeling sad, down or depressed. Fifty-nine per cent reported feeling anxious, fearful and uncertain about the future.

Forty-five per cent of respondents with feelings of depression expressed a moderate or high requirement for help, but 39 per cent reported not receiving any help. Similarly, 45 per cent of respondents with feelings of anxiety expressed a moderate or high requirement for help, but 37 per cent said they did not receive any help.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the BHF, said: "Everyone should have access to support and care that addresses their psychological needs alongside treatment of their heart or circulatory disease. And we need to fund more research to better understand the support needs of those who are affected."


References


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE