Up to half of heart attack survivors experience some form of psychological distress after the event, including depression, anxiety or stress, according to a statement from the American Heart Association published September 22, 2025 in the journal Circulation.

Mental distress after a heart attack is more common among women, unmarried people, people who are unemployed, and those with a history of mental health problems. The phenomenon is associated with an increased risk of future heart-related problems, possibly related to unhealthy habits such as reduced exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. However, a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been confirmed.

Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and meditation can help. Also, the antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are safe and effective for people with heart disease. For more information, see “Heart Disease and Depression: A Two-Way Street” in September 2025 Heart letter.

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