By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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When you've had a heart attack, it's common to feel down for a little while. But if that feeling lingers or becomes serious, it can turn into depression. If it does, it's important to get treatment. Depression after a heart attack may raise your risk for another heart attack - or even death.

Why depression hits after a heart attack
There are many reasons why depression may follow a heart attack. You may be afraid of dying. You may fear any future pain. You may be grieving the loss of your health. You may feel very tired and have aches and pains you didn't have before. There may also be biological changes that can trigger depression after heart attacks.

Related link: Depression and Heart Disease, a Common Combination 

And while it's not clear whether treating depression improves your length of life after a heart attack, it can improve your quality of life.

Complications of depression after a heart attack
A Johns Hopkins University study looked at people who had heart attacks. In the study, depression was reported in one in five people hospitalized after a heart attack. Depressed patients, compared to those without depression, were two to three times more likely to have a second heart attack or to die.

Related link: A Guide to Antidepressant Medications 

Compared to other heart attack patients, heart attack survivors with depression are:

• Fifty percent more likely to have another heart problem within a year
• Three times more likely to die from a heart attack or other heart condition in the future
• At a higher risk for death from heart problems or unrelated causes

Related link: Suffering from Depression? Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) May Help 

Are you depressed?
If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. If you have thoughts of death or suicide, seek immediate medical attention.

Some signs of depression are:

• Long periods of sadness
• Crying spells
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble sleeping - or sleeping too much
• Anger, anxiety, worrying or irritability
• Indifference or negativity
• Lack of energy
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Unexplained aches and pain

Related link: Smell the Roses: How Gardening Can Improve your Health 

Breaking out of depression
Having a heart attack is a major life change. If you've had a heart attack, be on the lookout for the signs of depression. Depression, like heart disease, requires treatment. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options, which may include antidepressant medication and/or counseling. In time, you can be on your way to a happier, healthier life.

Related link: Depression May Have Different Symptoms With Age