RE: Depression after angioplasty.

[Guest guest]

Ken,

I know people who have a feeling of

impending doom after getting a heart or coronary artery procedure. I think their doctor needs to talk to

them and explain that the procedure has given them more freedom than they had

before the procedure. Angioplasty

with a stent, has a good track record (especially with the new drug

eluting stent).

He’s fortunate that the procedure was done before a heart attack

damaged the muscle. The other arteries

must have been examined, and were found to be open. We are all fortunate that medicine has

made such advances in recent years.

If that were not the case, who among us would be here

to type messages to each other?

I feel that I have been given a new lease on life, don’t you?

Norm

Depression

after angioplasty.

Dear Group,

This is a bit off topic, but I believe that there are

some folks here who could help.

My father in law who has had atrial-fibrillation

managed by medecine for some months went in with chest pains a few weeks ago.

He's in his early 60's. No observable heart attack, but tests ordered...

The upshot of it was him getting angioplasty and a stent

for a 70% blockage. He's back and feeling fine but suddenly is very depressed.

Not wanting to go out and withdrawn. He's normally very positive and

gregarious, so he's not really his usual self.

Can anyone relate to this? Perhaps it's normal, but

how can we help?

I had the opposite experience after getting my ICD. by

the time I knew everything about my condition (ARVD), I was so freaked out that

getting the defibrillator was a relief. My wife said that it was like a cloud

was lifted from around me. She was right. I wasn't worried about every little

arrythmia anymore.

I guess my rough time was during the long drawn out

diagnosis period and while learning about what I have. Now I'm a happy camper

(for the most part) to have the protection that my implant offers.

Different things completely, my case and his. I Thank

you all for anything you might have to offer.

My Best -- Ken McCormick

[Guest guest]

Some cardiologists will even prescribe a low dose antidepressant following cardiac procedures because of the large number of individuals that do have episodes of depression following the procedures. Appears to be especially significant for those coming off of life support, heart-lung machines, and ventilators with the cardiac procedures. Some medications initiated at these times may also have side effects that include depression, anxiety, etc.

Tommy

Some additional information follows from http://www.todayincardiology.com/default.asp?old=never

1.

Today in Cardiology: Treating depression did not improve MI outcomes

Abstract: Treating depression did not improve MI outcomes. Coronary Heart Disease. Patients had less depression, more social support, but timing of treatment may be key to positive results on MI.. ion, more social support, but timing of treatment may be key to positive results on MI.January 2002. ANAHEIM, Calif. Psycholo

http://www.todayincardiology.com/200201/depression.asp size 6,970 bytes - 5/2/03 7:09:08 PM GMT

Summary Full

2.

Today in Cardiology: Reduced heart rate variability may link depression and post-MI death

Abstract: Reduced heart rate variability may link depression and post-MI death. Coronary Heart Disease. Major depression is associated with fourfold increase in risk of mortality during first six months after AMI.. iated with fourfold increase in risk of mortality during first six months after AMI.December 2001 ST. LOUIS ―

http://www.todayincardiology.com/200112/depression.asp size 5,898 bytes - 5/2/03 7:09:08 PM GMT

Summary Full

3.

Depression, silent stroke linked

Abstract: Depression, silent stroke linked. People who develop depression after age 50 should be evaluated for stroke.. February 2000. DURHAM, N.C. - A link between silent stroke and depression has been reported in Stroke. C. Steffens, MD, Assistant professor of psychiatry at Duke University, and collea

http://www.todayincardiology.com/200002/depressioninside.asp size 3,808 bytes - 5/31/01 5:54:46 PM GMT

Summary Full

4.

Today in Cardiology: Depression linked to CAD risk in men

Abstract: Depression linked to CAD risk in men. Coronary Heart Disease. Precursors Study finds clinical depression a risk factor decades after onset.. September 1998 BALTIMORE, Md. - Clinical depression increases risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) researchers with The s Hopkins Precursors study have reported. Clinica

http://www.todayincardiology.com/199809/depress.asp size 9,987 bytes - 5/2/03 7:17:46 PM GMT

Summary Full

5.

Today in Cardiology: Evaluating the evidence linking vascular disease, depression in elderly

Abstract: Evaluating the evidence linking vascular disease, depression in elderly. Hypertension and Vascular Disease. A connection between location of brain vascular disease and development of depression is suspected.. April 1998 NEW YORK CITY - A growing body of research links cerebrovascular disease to the onset of

http://www.todayincardiology.com/199804/elderly.asp size 5,673 bytes - 5/2/03 7:08:36 PM GMT

Summary Full

6.

Today in Cardiology: New study needed on psychosocial effects on CVD

Abstract: New study needed on psychosocial effects on CVD. Coronary Heart Disease. NIH panel discussed best way to follow-up the ENRICHD and SADHART trials.. by Janet Picknally Associate Editor. November 2002 BETHESDA, Md. ― A larger, longer study is needed on how psychosocial factors influence cardiovascular disease a

http://www.todayincardiology.com/200211/psycho.asp size 5,992 bytes - 11/4/02 6:25:04 PM GMT

Summary Full

7.

Today in Cardiology: Depressed MI patients will need psychotherapy and medical care

Abstract: Depressed MI patients will need psychotherapy and medical care. Coronary Heart Disease. NHLBI study is looking at the benefits of psychological care before depressed patients leave the hospital.. SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:. the benefits of psychological care before depressed patients leave the hospital.

http://www.todayincardiology.com/199802/psycho.asp size 8,165 bytes - 5/2/03 7:08:36 PM GMT

Summary Full

8.

It may be more than the blues

Abstract: It may be more than the blues. The Final Beat. Doctors often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression.. October 1999. The emergency department doctor thought she was functioning fine at the hospital, although she was sometimes confused and often irritable. She was still showing up for work ev

http://www.todayincardiology.com/199910/blues.asp size 9,776 bytes - 5/31/01 5:54:36 PM GMT

Summary Full

9.

Today in Cardiology: Some antidepressants may impact CVD factors

Abstract: Some antidepressants may impact CVD factors. Cardiovascular Pharmacology. The diagnosis and treatment of depression in the cardiac patient is extremely important.. by Kerry K. Pickworth, PharmD, and Alvarez Jr. Pharm D Special to Today in Cardiology. July 2003. Kerry K. Pickworth, PharmD Depression affects an u

http://www.todayincardiology.com/200307/antidepressants.asp size 11,303 bytes - 9/29/03 7:54:32 PM GMT

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-----Original Message-----From: Norman Sussman [mailto:norm@...]Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 7:48 PM Subject: RE: Depression after angioplasty.

Ken,

I know people who have a feeling of impending doom after getting a heart or coronary artery procedure. I think their doctor needs to talk to them and explain that the procedure has given them more freedom than they had before the procedure. Angioplasty with a stent, has a good track record (especially with the new drug eluting stent). He’s fortunate that the procedure was done before a heart attack damaged the muscle. The other arteries must have been examined, and were found to be open. We are all fortunate that medicine has made such advances in recent years. If that were not the case, who among us would be here to type messages to each other? I feel that I have been given a new lease on life, don’t you?

Norm

-----Original Message-----From: Ken McCormick [mailto:kmccmedia@...] Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 6:31 PM Subject: Depression after angioplasty.

Dear Group,

This is a bit off topic, but I believe that there are some folks here who could help.

My father in law who has had atrial-fibrillation managed by medecine for some months went in with chest pains a few weeks ago. He's in his early 60's. No observable heart attack, but tests ordered...

The upshot of it was him getting angioplasty and a stent for a 70% blockage. He's back and feeling fine but suddenly is very depressed. Not wanting to go out and withdrawn. He's normally very positive and gregarious, so he's not really his usual self.

Can anyone relate to this? Perhaps it's normal, but how can we help?

I had the opposite experience after getting my ICD. by the time I knew everything about my condition (ARVD), I was so freaked out that getting the defibrillator was a relief. My wife said that it was like a cloud was lifted from around me. She was right. I wasn't worried about every little arrythmia anymore.

I guess my rough time was during the long drawn out diagnosis period and while learning about what I have. Now I'm a happy camper (for the most part) to have the protection that my implant offers.

Different things completely, my case and his. I Thank you all for anything you might have to offer.

My Best -- Ken McCormick

Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

Thanks Everyone,

Thank you all for your concern and for coming forth with personal stories

and links to info.

He may be coming around a bit. Complains about not having anything good to

eat. Diet was abominable. Now they have doc's orders to get serious. My wife

and I are working with them on finding recipes etc..., for their tastes, to

make heart healthy eating more enjoyable. Face it ya miss some things.

Yes I myself feel gratitude (mostly) for having a lifesaving technology

right inside my body.

I knew that if I asked this group would have some help.

Thanks again

Ken

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