Depression in Heart Patients and EECP Support
Depression is common in heart and vascular patients and can negatively affect recovery. EECP is not a treatment for depression. Changes in mood have been studied during EECP given for heart disease.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Supports the treatment of depression in vascular patients and helps improve mood.
Depression treatment continues according to your psychiatrist's plan. EECP does not replace medication and psychotherapy.
In patients with angina, depression and anxiety scores were reported to improve after EECP; the studies are uncontrolled.
Evidence is limited. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
How Are Heart Disease and Depression Connected?
The American Heart Association reports that depression after a heart attack is consistently linked to poor outcomes. Chest pain, fatigue and limited movement can affect mood. For this reason, mood should be asked about regularly in heart patients.
Mood
Depression can show itself as lack of motivation, inability to enjoy things, and changes in sleep and appetite. The diagnosis is made by a physician.
Heart disease
Chest pain and fear of a heart attack can limit daily life. This limitation also affects mood.
Stress and pulse
During moments of anxiety and stress, the pulse can speed up. These symptoms can be confused with heart complaints.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Vessel health
Vascular disease is a condition that affects the whole body. Its treatment concerns heart and brain health together.
Movement
Chest pain and fatigue can reduce movement. Inactivity can in turn negatively affect mood over time, and a vicious circle can form.
Daily life
Sleep, work and social life are parts of mental health. Recovery is tracked not only with heart measurements but also in these areas.
Heart and Mood: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the changes targeted with EECP given for heart disease. The effect varies from person to person; your mood is reviewed together with you throughout the course.
Heart complaints and mood
- Chest pain and fatigue
- Limitation in movement and social life
- Lack of motivation and anxiety
Support alongside heart treatment
- Support for circulation to the heart is targeted
- Mood is monitored with scales
- Psychiatric treatment continues unchanged
This is a schematic illustration. EECP is not a treatment for depression; it does not replace psychiatric treatment.
How Is EECP Applied?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood moves toward the heart
With cuff pressure, blood is pushed toward the heart and the coronary vessels. Nourishment of the heart muscle is supported.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
Mood is monitored
Mood scales before and after the course can be compared. The assessment is shared with your psychiatrist.
What Has Been Reported in Studies?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Mood
In patients with angina, depression scores improved significantly after EECP.
Anxiety and physical complaints
In the same study, anxiety and physical complaints also decreased.
Perception of health
Patients' overall perception of health and quality of life improved.
Relation to ischemia
The improvement was more marked in patients whose lack of blood supply to the heart muscle improved objectively.
After a stroke
In early rehabilitation after stroke, EECP was studied together with medication.
Expert recommendation
Experts in China recommend EECP in ischemic patients with anxiety or depression.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, your heart and vascular disease is assessed; the decision on EECP is made accordingly. Mood complaints are handled together with your psychiatrist. The diagnosis and treatment of depression are the responsibility of the mental health specialist.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients with cardiovascular disease who also have mood complaints
- Patients with ongoing angina who experience related anxiety and lack of motivation
- Patients receiving treatment for depression after a stroke whose blood pressure is under control
- Patients after a heart attack or bypass who experience lack of motivation and anxiety and have their cardiologist's approval
✕Not suitable for
- Severe depression or thoughts of self-harm: urgent psychiatric support is needed first
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. At the end of the course, the results are reviewed with our cardiologist. In patients with mood complaints, short scales can be used before and after the course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression in Heart Patients and EECP
Does EECP treat depression?
EECP is not a treatment for depression. In patients with angina, depression scores were reported to improve after EECP; however, these studies did not include a control group.
Does depression affect heart disease?
According to an American Heart Association statement, depression after a heart attack is consistently linked to death and poor outcomes. For this reason, asking about mood is important in heart patients.
Should I stop my antidepressant medications?
No. Your depression treatment continues according to your psychiatrist's plan. EECP does not replace medication and psychotherapy.
Who is it considered for?
It can be discussed for patients who are suitable for EECP because of heart or vascular disease and who have mood complaints. The decision is made together with our cardiologist and your psychiatrist.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. You return to daily life right after the session. During the sessions you lie down and rest.
I feel very bad; what should I do?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a healthcare professional or the nearest emergency room without waiting. In this situation, the priority is to get support immediately.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
Let's talk together about your heart disease and your mood complaints. Our cardiologist will assess whether EECP is suitable for you. If needed, we will contact your psychiatrist and make a joint plan.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou