Depression is thought of as a mental disorder, but it can affect the rest of the body too. Having symptoms of depression may be linked to risks for other diseases.

Heart rhythm doctors who treat atrial fibrillation may not always be on the same page as patients when it comes to evaluating patient depression and other quality of life factors.

Maintaining good mental health has been shown to protect cardiovascular health. For middle-aged women, controlling depression may play a key role in preventing stroke.

Individuals with heart disease are already at a higher risk of death from their heart condition. But adding depression or anxiety – or both – to the mix can raise the stakes.

Positive feelings can make a world of positive difference in a person’s health. For patients with failing hearts, however, negative feelings and depression can have the opposite effect.

When someone close to you is diagnosed with heart failure, they may become depressed and have trouble dealing with stress. But being supportive could lessen their depression and may even improve their health.

Antidepressants can be very helpful for people with depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ), a type of antidepressant, may help people recover from a stroke.

Recovering from stroke can be hard. New research suggests that mental health may affect recovery from a stroke.

People with depressive symptoms have an increased risk of heart attacks and developing heart disease. For those who already have heart problems, stress and depression can worsen their health.

Having heart disease and depression can increase the risk of heart attacks and death. Research suggests that up to 40 percent of heart disease patients experience depressive symptoms.