February 09, 2012
System failing heart patients by not addressing mental
health
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.
Our Policy Manager Mubeen Bhutta 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. Costing around
£550 per patient, rehabilitation is a
cost effective way of ensuring we meet all the needs of people
living with heart disease.”