Tokyo, Japan – A recent analysis published in JAMA Network Open suggests that spouses of individuals who suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure may face an increased risk of depression. The study examined 277,142 married couples in Japan Health Insurance Association program, covering 40 percent of the country’s working-age population. Researchers analyzed married adults whose spouses experienced cardiovascular events between 2016 and 2022 and compared them to a control group of similar couples.
The study found that the spouses of individuals who had a stroke, heart failure, or heart attack had a higher likelihood of developing depression compared to those whose spouses did not experience such events. Factors such as age, sex, income, and other demographics were taken into account, revealing a 13 to 14 percent higher risk of depression among spouses of individuals with cardiovascular issues.
According to researchers, the caregiving burden, financial costs, grief, and stigma associated with cardiovascular events can significantly impact the mental health of spouses. They emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive primary care for these individuals, fostering collaboration between cardiologists and psychiatrists, and increasing community support.
In addition, Chinese public health experts recommend future research to extend beyond spouses and include family members and other caregivers. They highlight the need to consider caregivers’ resilience and coping mechanisms following such events. This study sheds light on the emotional toll that cardiovascular events can have on both patients and their loved ones, underscoring the importance of holistic support systems in healthcare.