After a heart attack, many people go through emotional struggles such as depression, anxiety, stress, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These mental health challenges can make it harder for the body to heal and may increase the risk of having more heart problems in the future.
According to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in the journal *Circulation*, mental and emotional health is a critical part of heart recovery. The statement explains how common psychological distress is after a heart attack, how it affects the body, and what can be done to help.
Heart attacks are already serious health events, and researchers now know that they also put people at risk of emotional problems. About one in three heart attack survivors develop depression within a year.
Anxiety and stress affect up to half of patients during their hospital stay and may continue for months afterward. Certain groups—like women, people living alone, those who are unemployed, or people with a history of mental illness—are more likely to struggle emotionally.
Emotional distress after a heart attack doesn’t just make people feel bad. It can double the risk of having another heart attack or even dying from heart-related causes.
People with depression, anxiety, or PTSD are more likely to avoid medication, eat poorly, skip exercise, and smoke—all habits that can damage the heart. Some people also develop “cardiac anxiety,” a strong fear of having another heart attack, which may cause them to avoid activities or withdraw socially.
The statement also explains how heart attacks may trigger emotional issues. When the heart is damaged, it causes inflammation and changes in hormones and brain chemistry. This can lead to feelings of sadness, fear, or worry.
Stress can also cause physical reactions in the heart, like narrowing blood vessels or irregular heartbeat, which can make the situation worse.
Money problems after a heart attack—such as paying for treatment or losing income—can also raise stress levels and harm heart health. Sadly, not enough patients receive emotional support as part of their recovery.
The American Heart Association says that even though it’s not yet clear whether every patient should be screened for mental health issues, doctors and nurses should always check how their patients are coping emotionally.
Simple actions, like talking with a patient about their feelings or referring them to a mental health professional, can make a big difference. Treatments that help include talk therapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy), medication (such as SSRIs), meditation, yoga, better sleep, and regular exercise.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs, which help people regain strength and confidence after a heart attack, can also improve mental health. These programs often include mental health check-ins, stress management tools, and support groups.
Patients who go through cardiac rehab are less likely to be depressed or anxious—and more likely to have better heart health long-term.
Unfortunately, less than 20% of eligible patients join cardiac rehab programs. Many face problems like lack of transportation, busy schedules, or no nearby clinics. The statement calls for more support to make these programs easier to access, especially in low-income areas.
In the end, healing from a heart attack isn’t just about treating the body. It’s about helping people feel safe, supported, and emotionally strong. The American Heart Association encourages health professionals to treat both the heart and the mind to give patients the best chance at recovery.
The study is published in Circulation.
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