Life after becoming a heart disease victim cuts much deeper than a knife. Depression is not something that can be seen with an x-ray and difficult to heal. I often hear from women who have suffered a heart attack or live with heart disease struggling to rebuild their lives again. I find a common thread that seems to hit most heart disease victims….’a fear which leads them into depression’. Statistically, many women suffer from depression and it is important for all who have been affected by Heart Disease to realize that it is very common problem. “Studies show that up to 33 percent of heart attack patients end up developing some degree of depression,” said Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and director of Behavioral Sciences at the Crozer-Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program. With such a high percentage of heart disease survivors dealing with depression, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. Talk to your doctor about your fears and allow for time for healing: physically and emotionally post heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity helps release endorphins that make you feel better. Physically active women have a lower risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Excited to share that we recently decided to follow the AHA prescription for more physical activity. My husband and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary this year by treating ourselves with new riding bicycles. Being newly empty nesters after raising our 4 sons, we were ready to invest in each other again by being free spirited riding in the breeze hitting our faces. How much fun we are enjoying getting outside, enjoying the summer air, and exploring new bike trails that we had only ‘heard’ about.