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Women who survive cardiac arrest are more likely to experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than men, according to a study released on Tuesday. The research, conducted by a team from Amsterdam University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, provides critical insights into the long-term mental health consequences for cardiac arrest survivors, particularly women.
The study analyzed five-year socioeconomic data of 1,250 individuals, with an average age of 53, who had survived an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the Netherlands. The results, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes, highlighted significant gender disparities in mental health outcomes.
One of the key findings was a notable increase in antidepressant prescriptions among female survivors. In the first year following their cardiac arrest, there was a 50 percent rise in antidepressant use among women, a trend not observed in men. “This rise then tapered off to around a 20 percent increase in prescriptions after five years,” said Robin Smits, a researcher at Amsterdam Public Health.
The study’s findings suggest that women may not be receiving adequate support post-cardiac arrest. “While more research is needed, we can already say that it shows that particularly women are not adequately supported after a cardiac arrest,” Smits added.
In addition to mental health, the research also examined employment trends and socioeconomic impacts on survivors. A significant change was observed in the ‘primary earner status’ within households, indicating that survivors often faced difficulties in returning to the labor market. This shift underscores the broader socioeconomic challenges that cardiac arrest survivors encounter as they age through their 50s.
Interestingly, previous studies have shown that women have higher survival rates post-cardiac arrest compared to men. However, this new research sheds light on the paradoxical nature of these outcomes. “Combining the findings, we see that the consequences of cardiac arrest differ depending on your sex. While women may be more likely to survive and live longer, they are also more likely to be affected by mental health issues after a cardiac arrest,” Smits explained.
The study’s revelations emphasize the need for targeted post-cardiac arrest care that addresses not only the physical but also the mental health needs of survivors, with a particular focus on supporting women. Further research and tailored interventions are crucial to improving the quality of life for these individuals and mitigating the long-term impacts of cardiac arrest.
