230 million prescriptions are now filled for depression every year. Antidepressants are one of the most-prescribed drugs in the United States. More than 1 in 20 Americans are still depressed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research over the last two decades has shown that people with cardiovascular disease are more likely to suffer from depression than otherwise healthy people. The reverse is also been found to be true, people with depression are at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The National Institute of Mental Health states that “people with heart disease who are depressed have an increased risk of death after a heart attack compared to those who are not depressed.” Cardiovascular disease now affects over 12 million Americans and is classified as one of the leading causes of death. The depression incident rates skyrockets to 1 in 2 for people who have survived their first heart attack according to the institute. Depre...
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