System Failing Heart Patients by Not Addressing Mental Health

People with heart disease are up to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, according to a new report.

The report by the King’s Fund and the Centre for Mental Health goes on to say there is systemic failure to identify mental health problems in people with long-term conditions, such as heart disease.

Poor mental health means that people with heart disease especially long-term conditions are less likely to look after their physical health, take medication as intended and attend medical appointments.

British Heart Foundation Policy Manager Mubeen Bhutta said: -
“The system is failing patients and costing the NHS staggering amounts by treating mental health as an afterthought.     Psychological support should be a routine part of cardiac rehabilitation programmes which help heart patients to get back on their feet."

Source:- The Kings Fund

             British Heart Foundation