New research now suggests that women experience more long-term anxiety than men after a cardiac arrest. In fact, findings from a recent study indicate that after experiencing a cardiac arrest, with no differences related to other conditions such as hypertension or diabetes female patients were more likely to develop psychological distress than their male counterparts.
The study presented at ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2023 ran between 2016 and 2021 and involved 245 patients who had cardiac arrest and were admitted to the hospital in a coma. About 18% of the patients were women.
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During a four-month follow-up appointment, psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Symptoms of PTSD were also assessed using the PCL-5 checklist.
Researchers found that depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher in women than men. Women also had substantially higher levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than men who had experienced cardiac arrest. However, in both men and women, anxiety was highly correlated to PTSD symptoms.
Study author Dr. Jesper Kjaergaard said, “The findings confirm our experience in clinical practice that the psychological effects of cardiac arrest persist for months. Anxiety was frequent, particularly in women. Our results highlight the need for long-term follow-up of cardiac arrest survivors to identify and treat mental health issues. Patients should be encouraged to tell their healthcare professional about anxiety, depression and stress related to the cardiac arrest. Future studies are needed to investigate whether talking to a professional can help alleviate psychological symptoms.”
Cardiac arrest is a serious and often fatal condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is responsible for one in five deaths in industrialized countries, making it one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide.
The condition occurs when the heart stops pumping blood around the body, depriving vital organs of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the individual can pass out and die within just minutes if the flow is not restored quickly.
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Unfortunately, less than 10% of people who suffer from cardiac arrest in the community can survive long enough to be discharged from the hospital. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing this life-threatening condition.
Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety is a complex and often debilitating condition that a range of factors can cause, as this study helps to show. While everyone experiences anxiety to some degree, those who suffer from an anxiety disorder know firsthand the impact it can have on their daily lives. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including persistent worry, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors. It’s important to understand that anxiety is a real and pervasive issue affecting millions of people worldwide.
Reducing anxiety can be tough, but with the help of Anxiety Rescue, you can help to support healthy mood balance and cognitive function. Through various ingredients, this unique formula can help target multiple aspects of stress, mood support and anxiety. Anxiety Rescue begins to work quickly and improves benefits and support as the weeks go on.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
