Heart attack risk highest for those with depression

People with depression have a 55% increased risk of heart attack, according to new research available on the American Psychological Association's website.

Of more than 60,000 research hits on cardiovascular disease in PubMed research database, more than 35,000 of them cite psychosocial factors involved in the pathogenesis of the problem.  This has increased the amount of attention being paid to serious mental illness over the past several years.  Cognitive-behavioral interventions have shown promise in inoculating patients against the stresses that may arise in those predisposed to cardiovascular problems.

Research also suggests that optimism may be a preventative factor for cardiac illness. This appears to be in line with older research suggesting that cynical hostility — expecting the worst from others — was a well known risk factor.  Having great senses of meaning and hope in life is considered to be some of the best psychological protection against cardiovascular illness.

For more information, please see the article and video linked here.