By Dr. Bikram Ratti MBBS (London) MRCGP – Private GP and Medical Doctor at The Doctor’s Practice, Birmingham
When we think about heart disease, we often focus on diet, exercise, and smoking, but there’s another crucial factorthat is often overlooked—mental health.
Research confirms that depression, anxiety, and chronic stress are not just consequences of heart disease—they can increase the risk and worsen outcomes.
At The Doctor’s Practice, I take a holistic approach to men’s health, addressing both mental and cardiovascular well-being to ensure better long-term health.
Mental Health and Heart Disease: A Two-Way Street
The connection between mental health and heart disease is bidirectional—one impacts the other.
🔹 How Mental Health Affects the Heart
- Depression and anxietyincrease inflammation and stress hormones (cortisol), leading to higher blood pressureand arterial damage.
• Men with depression are more likely to develop high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and weight gain—all major heart disease risks.
• Mental distress often leads to poor lifestyle habits, such as unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and smoking, worsening heart health.
🔹 How Heart Disease Affects Mental Health
- A diagnosis of heart diseasecan lead to chronic anxiety, depression, and PTSD—particularly after a heart attack.
• The stress of managing a long-term heart conditioncan make it harder to follow lifestyle recommendations and treatment plans.
📖 Research Insight: A 2023 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men with depression were 64% more likely to develop heart disease compared to those without mental health concerns.
This highlights why mental well-being is just as important as physical health.
Why Stress Is a Silent Heart Killer
Chronic stress puts the body in a constant state of “fight or flight,” which leads to:
✔ Increased blood pressure – Raising the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
✔ Elevated cortisol levels – Contributing to plaque buildup in arteries and increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
✔ Higher inflammation levels – Linked to atherosclerosis and heart failure.
🔹 The Role of Sleep & Recovery
Men with high stress levels often experience sleep disturbances, further worsening cardiovascular risk.
📖 Research Insight: A 2022 review in The British Journal of Cardiology confirmed that chronic stress and poor sleep patterns significantly contribute to cardiovascular mortality.
Managing Mental Health to Protect the Heart
At The Doctor’s Practice, I focus on evidence-based strategies to help men reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and lower heart disease risk.
✅ Regular Mental Health Screenings
- Men at risk of heart diseaseshould undergo routine anxiety and depression assessments.
• Early intervention helps prevent worsening cardiovascular outcomes.
✅ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Proven to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, while also lowering blood pressureand heart disease risk.
• 📖Research Insight: A 2023 study in The American Journal of Cardiology found that men undergoing CBT had a 30% reduction in cardiovascular events.
✅ Physical Activity as Medicine
- Exerciseis one of the most effective ways to boost mental health while protecting the heart.
• 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can reduce stress hormones and improve heart function.
✅ Meditation and Stress Reduction Techniques
- Mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and meditationhelp lower blood pressure and improve heart rate variability.
• 📖 Research Insight: A 2023 study in The Lancet found that men who practiced mindfulness daily had significantly lower cortisol levels and better cardiovascular markers.
✅ Nutritional Support for Mental & Heart Health
- A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and antioxidantssupports both brain functionand heart health.
• 📖 Research Insight: The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce depression symptoms and heart disease risk by up to 30%.
Why Choose The Doctor’s Practice?
As a specialist in men’s health and cardiovascular care, I provide:
✔ Comprehensive heart & mental health assessments
✔ Tailored stress management plans
✔ Evidence-based mental health interventions
✔ Personalised lifestyle guidance for long-term cardiovascular wellness
Taking care of your mind and heart together is the key to living a longer, healthier life.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Bik
If you want to take proactive steps in improving your mental and cardiovascular health, book a consultation with Dr. Bikram Ratti at The Doctor’s Practice today.
🌐 Book Online Now
📞 Call: 0121 661 2366
📱 WhatsApp: 07388 623527
📷 Instagram: @thedoctorspractice
📍 Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham | 📅 Appointments available 7 days a week
🔗 Visit our website: www.thedoctorspractice.co.uk
References
1️⃣ Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2023) – The impact of mental health on cardiovascular disease risk in men.
2️⃣ The British Journal of Cardiology (2022) – Chronic stress and its influence on heart disease.
3️⃣ The American Journal of Cardiology (2023) – The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in reducing cardiovascular risk.
4️⃣ The Lancet (2023) – Mindfulness and stress reduction in preventing heart disease.