Peripheral artery disease and depression
When it comes to our overall well-being, physical health and mental health are often treated as two separate entities. However, what many people fail to realize is that there is a strong connection between the two. Our bodies and minds are intricately linked, and changes in our physical health can often impact our mental state, and vice versa.
That's why it's increasingly important to see the link between peripheral artery disease and depression.
Peripheral artery disease: An overview
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a type of circulatory condition that affects millions of people around the world. It's caused by a narrowing or blockage of the arteries (typically in the legs), leading to reduced blood flow, which can result in pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the affected limb(s). The disease is a major risk factor for limb amputation as well as other serious health complications, such as stroke.
Causes and symptoms of PAD
If you have a blocked artery, you will feel painful cramping in one or both of your hips, thighs, or calf muscles during physical activity (called ‘claudication’). Other symptoms include the following:
Leg numbness or weakness
Sores on your feet or legs that won't heal
Change in color of your legs
Hair loss on your feet or legs
No pulse/weak pulse in your legs or feet
Erectile dysfunction in men
The impact PAD has on daily life
While PAD can develop in various parts of the body, it most commonly presents in the legs. The condition can cause a range of symptoms that impact daily life, such as leg pain, cramping, and weakness, particularly during physical activity. PAD can also lead to non-healing wounds on the feet or legs, which can limit your mobility. In addition to physical symptoms, PAD can also have serious implications for overall health, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Depression as a risk factor for PAD
Current research
A study by McDermott et al (2016) concluded that individuals diagnosed with PAD are at a significantly higher risk of developing depression compared to those without this condition (1).
Furthermore, the study found that individuals with PAD who experience depression exhibit considerably higher mortality rates compared to those who are not depressed.
These findings show how important it is for healthcare providers to remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing the increased occurrence of depression in individuals with PAD.
Understanding depression and peripheral artery disease
How depression affects peripheral atherogenesis
Scientists believe that depression triggers an inflammatory response, which can contribute to plaque building up in arteries outside of the heart and brain. This plaque is a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that can clog blood vessels over time. It is also believed that the chronic inflammation caused by depression can damage the endothelial cells that line blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as stroke.
Why physical and mental health treatment is best
Proper treatment for this vascular condition can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. In addition to physical therapy and medication, mental health support can also play a significant role in the treatment process. Depression can be a side effect of chronic illness, and having a support system in place can help manage these emotions.
Coping with depression and PAD
Create healthy habits that give you strength
Coping with the two conditions simultaneously requires a great deal of strength and endurance. However, it's important to stay optimistic. Start creating small, healthy habits that can eventually turn into a healthy lifestyle to manage depression. Don't feel like you have to solve everything in one day. Just start, however small it is! Whether it's a 10-minute walk or yoga or eating a serving of vegetables per day, starting small is the way to go.
Reach out to friends, family, or a counselor
Additionally, reach out to family, friends, your primary care physician, or a counselor for support. Others can help you feel less alone as you're navigating this part of your life.
Consult your doctor about medication for treating depression
Sometimes, depression can feel like it's too difficult to handle on your own. Medication can help bring you relief so you can practice other healthy coping mechanisms like deep breathing and the 5 senses grounding technique. There are millions of people in the U.S. alone who are dealing with depression, so don't be afraid to bring up these concerns to your doctor; it's a common thing for them to hear about.
The Role of Endovascular Specialists
They should bring holistic care
Endovascular physicians who specialize in treating PAD, like those at MIMIT Health, must be aware of these emotional challenges and include them in their holistic approach to care. Our Dr. Chopra is known for his down-to-earth nature and making patients feel comfortable during consults and procedures. He's even done yoga and deep breathing exercises with patients! And they even tell us how much it helps them feel better. This approach to care recognizes that good health involves the whole person and is critical to improving patient outcomes.
They should collaborate with mental health professionals
Collaboration between physicians and mental health professionals can help to identify and address mental health concerns early, before they become more serious. This approach may involve referring patients to mental health professionals, evaluating patients for mental health concerns during routine check-ups and physical exams, and working together to develop treatment plans that address both physical and mental health concerns.
McDermott MM, Guralnik JM, Tian L, Kibbe MR, Ferrucci L, Zhao L, Liu K, Liao Y, Gao Y, Criqui MH. Incidence and Prognostic Significance of Depressive Symptoms in Peripheral Artery Disease. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016 Mar 18;5(3):e002959. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.115.002959. PMID: 26994131; PMCID: PMC4943270.