Mental health is an important part of health and refers to a person’s overall well-being. Mental health is important, and can have major effects on the entire body, more specifically the physical health of a person. “Mental health disorders can be short- or long-term and can interfere with a person’s mood, behavior, thinking, and ability to relate to others. Various studies have shown the impact of trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress on the body, including stress on the heart” (CDC.org, 2020).

“For years, doctors thought the connection between mental health and heart health was strictly behavioral – such as the person who is feeling down seeking relief from smoking, drinking or eating fatty foods. That thinking has started to change. Research shows there could be physiological connections, too. The biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues also could influence heart disease. “The head-heart connection should be on everyone’s radar,” said Barry Jacobs, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and director of Behavioral Sciences. “It’s not just being unhappy. It’s having biochemical changes that predispose people to have other health problems, including heart problems” (American Heart Association editorial staff, 2018).

Also, Nieca Goldberg M.D., with the American Heart Association says, “Stress can increase hormones like adrenaline and cortisol and can impact your blood pressure and heart rate” (American Heart Association editorial staff, 2018).

Overall, heart health and mental health are closely connected, and should be a priority when checking with your medical provider. Be open with your medical provider and do a check in with your mental health, physical health, and overall support system.

Here is a handy Heart Health test that anyone can take and assess your overall heart health but also a portion of the test assesses the mental health implications that a person might be struggling with and how this may also contribute to heart health struggles: HeartTest (simplehearttest.com).

References:

CDC.org (Ed.). (2020, May 6). Heart disease and mental health disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/mentalhealth.htm#SnippetTab

American Heart Association editorial staff (Ed.). (2018, April 18). Mental health and heart health. www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-heart-health

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