Samuel A. Kojoglanian, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Bonnie had no apparent risk factors for coronary artery disease, but had a major heart attack. Her blood pressure and cholesterol levels were normal. She never smoked and had no family history of premature coronary artery disease. At the age of 42, she ended up in the cardiac cath lab, needing a stent to save her life.
But she was happy, right? It became apparent that this beautiful woman was depressed. Could her depression set off a cascade of heart disease, causing a major heart attack? Could her past hurts, an unforgiving heart, deep seeded bitterness, and tears of pain and depression that lasted over 20 years, converge into heart disease?
Depression is a deep sadness or emptiness that lasts longer than 14 days. It can manifest by feeling apathetic, disinterest in daily activities, or irritability. Concentration can be diminished and sleep disturbances heightened. One of the clues is waking up early in the mornings and the inability to go back to sleep. Many people self-medicate, increasing food portions, to feed their emptiness. Constant fatigue and preoccupation with death are other indicators that one is depressed.
Antidepressants are the number one selling category of drugs sold in the United States. Millions rely on these drugs just to be able to function. One in four women and one in eight men will be diagnosed with depression, but in today’s fast paced society, the numbers are getting worse.
There are many causes of depression, and one is a frontal lobe problem. Overstimulation with rapid TV scenes, syncopated music, rapid moving video games, which we indulge in to get happy, ironically depress frontal lobe function and cause depression. In a time when entertainment is at an all time high, it seems like many are living in an all time lonely low state of mind. Past hurts, thyroid problems, addictions, genetics, toxins and unwillingness to forgive also play a role.
Exercise, sunlight exposure, breathing fresh air, regular sleeping habits, foods high in omega 3, crying out to God for help, analytical reading (increases frontal lobe function) and changing disappointments to “appointments” help cure depression.
Bonnie was discharged home in stable condition and is receiving help for her depression. She has realized that the past, when it is harbored in the present, can cause great harm in the future. May your past hurts be placed in the hands of God, who is able to “stent” your soul with His grace and glory, so you can live today and tomorrow with victory!