Currently, not a few people still underestimate the symptoms of stress and depression they feel. Though depression is not a psychological problem lightly. Recent studies have even revealed that the symptoms of depression that are not recognized and ignored can trigger heart failure.
These results were obtained by researchers after observing 63,000 people in Norway. Participants were asked to carry out mental and physical examinations. After 11 years, about 1,500 of the participants had heart failure. Most of them show symptoms of depression and stress.
Compared with people who do not show symptoms of depression, people who have mild symptoms of depression are at a five per cent higher risk of developing heart failure. Meanwhile, moderate symptoms of depression can increase the risk of heart failure by up to 40 per cent, as reported by Health Day News (03/04).
"Depressive symptoms increase the likelihood of heart failure, the more severe depressive symptoms experienced the higher the risk," said lead researcher Lise Tuset Gustad from Levanger Hospital in Norway.
Many people are not aware that they have symptoms of depression. Often in the end the symptoms of depression are underestimated and ignored. Though depression is not just a mental illness but can also cause physical problems.
According to Gustad, people who experience depression have an unhealthy lifestyle. This encourages them to do other habits that are just as unhealthy as overeating and smoking. In the end, both lead to an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure.
In addition, depression also stimulates the body to produce more stress hormones. Your heart rate will increase, and so will your breathing rate. This can trigger inflammation in blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Gustad further suggested that someone better recognize the symptoms of depression in himself. Depression is easier to deal with in its early stages. Early symptoms include losing interest in things you normally enjoy and things outside of yourself.
