System failing heart patients by not addressing mental health

Thursday, 09 February 2012

People with heart disease are up to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population, according to a new report.

The report by the King’s Fund and Centre for Mental Health goes on to say there is systemic failure to identify mental health problems in people with long-term conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. It means poorer outcomes for patients and extra cost to the NHS running into billions of pounds.

Poor mental health means that people with heart disease or other long-term conditions are less likely to look after their physical health, take medication as intended and attend medical appointments.

Mubeen Bhutta, Policy Manager at the British Heart Foundation, said: “The system is failing patients and costing the NHS staggering amounts by treating mental health as an afterthought.

“Psychological support should be a routine part of cardiac rehabilitation programmes which help heart patients to get back on their feet. At around £550 per patient, rehabilitation is a cost effective way of ensuring we meet all the needs of people living with heart disease.”