$Unique_ID{BRK01234}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Severe Depression After a Heart Attack}
$Subject{post-heart attack depression sex}
$Volume{E-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Severe Depression After a Heart Attack


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QUESTION:  Since a recent heart attack my husband, who was an energetic man
who loved life and always shared a story, has become quiet and reserved.  I
know there must be something wrong, but don't want to do anything to upset
him.  Can you offer me any advice?

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ANSWER:  Your husband may be one of the 10 to 15 percent of patients who
experiences moderate to severe depression after a heart attack, or even one of
the 3 to 5 percent who have chronic and severe anxiety independent of
depression.  Some anxiety is certainly normal for someone who has had a heart
attack, because the heart attack is one of life's crises that isn't taken
lightly by most of us.  However, chronic hostility, exhaustion and inability
to resume normal activity despite encouragement from the physician are signs
that the patient needs some help in overcoming his post-heart attack problems.
     A problem that is not often discussed, but which may be creating some of
the problem, is the heart attack victim's anxiety about sex and its effect on
his marriage.  Medications given to heart patients may affect sexual function,
but probably the most frequent cause of sexual problems is the fear on the
part of the patient or the partner that sexual activity will cause another
heart attack.  A treadmill test gives physicians an indication of which
activities are safe, and this includes whether sex is safe.  Sexual activity
with a marriage partner rarely exceeds even 80 percent of the post-heart
attack patient's cardiac capacity; this means that sex is certainly a safe
activity for most heart attack patients and their spouses.  Don't be afraid to
talk to your doctor about the safety of sexual activity.  Ask him to discuss
it with you and your husband, so you will both feel reassured.
     If there is a cardiac rehabilitation program available through your local
hospital, see about getting your husband involved in it.  Often getting to
know other people who have had heart attacks is helpful, because you learn
that you are not alone in your problems, and that others are making healthy
progress.  Cardiac rehabilitation programs offer exercise and nutrition
counseling, as well as peer support to the heart patient and family.  You
might wish to consult your physician about programs that are available in your
area.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
