Coronary heart disease is a growing public health threat. Depression is a risk factor for the development and progression of heart disease and, in turn, heart disease confers an increased risk of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.
Acute cardiac events, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS), trigger an emotional response for most patients. There is a growing awareness that cardiac patients need support in understanding the emotional aspects of their condition, and in assessing their depression risk and knowing when to seek help.
Most people go on an emotional rollercoaster when they leave hospital after having a heart attack or heart surgery. They commonly feel shocked, fearful, traumatised, sad and anxious. Even those who have “never been emotional” become tearful, worried and insecure about their future. Patients find themselves in tears and experience ongoing struggles. Feelings of exasperation and mental exertion are also common. But there is also a common thread of hope and determination.
Few people are prepared for the psychological changes that typically follow a cardiac event. They need help to understand what’s happening to them emotionally, and how they are likely to feel once they get home. They need to be supported in their emotional recovery.
In 2012, with support from beyondblue, the ACHH developed a range of written resources for patients designed specifically to help with emotional recovery – the Cardiac Blues patient resources. These resources were developed with input from people who had recently had an acute cardiac event as well as health professionals working in cardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiac Blues Resources and Training:
The Cardiac Blues user guide outlines how health professionals can use the ‘Cardiac Blues’ brochure with their patients.
Download the Cardiac blues user guide
The Cardiac Blues poster
The Cardiac Blues postcard is a one-page information sheet, designed to answer patients’ most pressing questions if they feel they might be suffering from the Cardiac Blues.
Download the Cardiac Blues postcard
The ‘Cardiac Blues’ patient brochure – titled “getting back on track after heart attack or surgery” – can be given to patients individually, or can be used in group discussion such as in the cardiac rehabilitation setting.
Download the Cardiac Blues brochure
To download an order form for a printed hardcopy of the items above, click here.
We know how important it is that health professionals are trained to support patients, which is why we also developed the Cardiac Blues health professional online training program. Health professionals can register to undertake the online training by emailing us at cardiac.blues@australianhearthealth.org.au or by visiting our Training page.