Angina pectoris is a heart condition that affects more than
two million Americans, and is responsible for the highest-
priced medical treatments in the US -- more than seven billion
dollars annually.
A new study conducted by the Duke Medical Center has found
that angina pectoris is directly tied to depression.
Two hundred and seventy-four patients suffering from angina
were surveyed as part of the study. The researchers found that
14% of them suffered from severe depression.
The conclusions were unavoidable: deep depression increases
the risk of dying from heart attacks, and this time it's
almost scientific!
After a heart attack, people who suffer from severe depression
had a higher mortality rate after three months (13%) and after
one year (26%). Among patients who suffered from light
depression the fatality rate was 7.4 percent after three
months, and 11.1 percent after one year.
The researchers claim "depression is common among patients who
suffer from angina pectoris, and it is liable to have a
significant effect on their short-term prospects. Depression's
negative impact on the chances of recovery are not dependent
on traditional risk factors. Furthermore, it remains unknown
whether treatment for depression can reduce the rate of
mortality and re-hospitalization, but these topics should
certainly be examined."
