Heart attack patients can half the risk of suffering another attack if they have a close relationshi...
Heart attack patients can half the risk of suffering another attack if they have a close relationship with another person.
Research published in medical journal Heart suggests that having a friend, lover or relative who they can confide in dramatically reduces the chances of patients having another attack, even after taking account of other risk factors, including how severe the first attack was.
A total of 600 patients were screened, with an average age of 60. They were screened three to four days after having had a heart attack and monitored for one year to assess their risk of further attacks or death.
The authors of the report found around one in four patients had been depressed before having their first attack. They reported that this high prevalence of depression suggests it could increase the risk of another attack.
Screening included information on marital status, a history of drug use and details of mental health. Patients who did not have a close relationship with anyone were found to be more likely to drink heavily, use illegal drugs and have had at least one previous heart attack, which in turn increased the risk of a subsequent attack.
The report concluded: "The high prevalence in our sample testifies to the importance of depression as a risk factor for developing mardial infarction (MI). Depressed people, as well as those without a close confidant, are less likely to give up smoking after a MI. Improving social support can therefore carry considerable potential to improve primary and secondary prevention of MI."
