The emotional side of heart failure: Why do heart failure patients become depressed?

( Natural News ) Heart failure leads to many complications, especially in the cardiovascular system, but research suggests it could also lead to mental health problems. Heart failure patients often suffer from depression and cognitive impairment , and researchers from Canada have uncovered why these problems occur. Their findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports . Researchers from the University of Guelph in Ontario and the University of Toronto observed two groups of mice and compared them with each other: a group of normal mice and another group carrying a mutation in their circadian mechanism or “body clock.” The research team found that the mutation influenced the structure of neurons in brain areas responsible for cognition and mood. They also saw differences in clock regulation of blood vessels in the brains of mice carrying the mutation. The researchers also induced heart failure in the mice. They used microarray profiling to identify key genes in the brain that were altered in neural growth, stress, and metabolism pathways. The results showed that the circadian mechanism affects the neural effects of heart failure. The researchers said that understanding how the circadian mechanism works in the brain may provide insight into the development of new strategies for improving the quality of life of patients. Individuals recovering from heart attack typically experience disturbed circadian rhythms due to light, noise, and interactions with hospital staff at night. Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that maintaining circadian rhythms especially for patients with heart disease could result in better outcomes. Furthermore, they suggest avoiding shift work for people with underlying heart conditions or sleep disorders, reducing light at night, or avoiding social jet lag to help reduce neurobiological impairments. (Related: Heart failure patients require restorative rest; treating sleep disorders provides cardiovascular benefits .) Discover how […]

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