Heart disease is a leading cause of hospitalisation, death, and burden in Australians, particularly for those over 65.
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And according to the Australian Centre for Heart Health, one in three cardiac patients experience anxiety, and one in four experience depression, often long into their recovery period.
As such, the centre is urging cardiac patients to focus on emotional, as well as physical, recovery.
It is seeking cardiac patient volunteers to fill out a questionnaire to help learn about the emotional difficulties faced. That information will be used to help develop ways to support cardiac patients in adjusting after their heart illness or operation.
The centre said heart disease bring about a new range of fears and concerns, and new internal challenges including being physically restricted to having difficulty concentrating.
"Heart disease can often impact your ability to fulfil your responsibilities at work, with family, or in the community, which leaves many feeling disconnected or lonely," it said.
"Most cardiac patients will experience a period of psychological adjustment, known as the cardiac blues. During this period, there might be unexpected changes in mood and emotions, such as sadness, anger, irritability, worry, confusion, forgetfulness, and loss of interest in life.
"While most people feel better within a few months, some cardiac patients experience more serious mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress."
The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, which is anonymous, and can be found here, plus you can ask the research team about it by phone on 03-9326-8544.
For more information about the centre and how it can help support people recovering from cardiac conditions, click here.
