The Wellness Connection

Dr. Ryan Connolly, Senior Medical Director for Behavioral Health, Independence Blue Cross, answers our questions about the link between mental health and heart disease and why early treatment is key.

Q: How does mental health impact cardiovascular health? A: Research shows a direct connection between mental and cardiovascular health. Specifically, conditions like depression, anxiety and chronic stress can lead to higher risk factors related to cardiovascular health, including elevated blood pressure, increased inflammation, abnormal heart rhythms and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Over time, these physiologic effects can lead to calcium buildup in the arteries, metabolic disease and heart disease. Conversely, people who have had a heart attack or stroke can become depressed or abnormally stressed. This is because these traumatic events can trigger fears of uncertainty, vulnerability and even death.

Q: Are the increased risks due to biological factors or lifestyle? Or both? A: Both. The American Heart Association reports the thinking around this connection is changing. In addition to the long-known effects of unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking and a sedentary lifestyle, increasingly research shows that biological and chemical factors related to behavioral health conditions may more directly influence heart health as well.

Q: A 2023 study from Johns Hopkins showed an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in young people with mental health disease. Why is this important? 
A: The findings underscore the importance of prioritizing mental health for young people and for screening for cardiovascular risk factors among people with depression and anxiety. It’s not uncommon for young people feeling anxious or stressed to make poor lifestyle choices. These choices can negatively affect the heart later in life. Diagnosing mental health issues in young people is vital because it can pave the way for early treatment and prevent worse health problems during key developmental stages.

Q: How can individuals suffering from mental health issues protect their heart? A: There are a number of ways people can take better care of their mental and heart health.  Experts recommend practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga or listening to music to help reduce stress.  It’s also crucial to get enough sleep; seven to nine hours is generally the goal. But maybe the most effective thing we can do to help our mental and physical health is to exercise. It can be hard to exercise when depressed, but in many studies, even small amounts of exercise are powerful treatments for depression and anxiety. A 30-minute nature walk can do wonders for your mood. It’s also important to keep social connections strong and not be afraid to ask for professional help. None of us has to work on these issues alone.

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