Depression Is Risk Factor For Heart Problems

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There are many risk factors for a person developing heart disease and my suspicion is that you probably know most of them.

Far and away cigarette smoking is the one thing we can control to reduce our risk of developing heart problems, but there are other risk factors like not exercising enough and eating a high fat diet.

Those with a strong family history of heart problems are at increased risk, but here is one thing you may not have thought about but evidence based medicine says it is a major issue. People who suffer from depression are at greater risk of heart problems down the line. This is a very important concept because what it says is that our psychological approach to life and dealing with life can have a physical effect.

Obviously we are learning more and more about it but our attitude and our coping mechanisms can have a dramatic influence on our overall health.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor