MONDAY, Jan. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Depression, fear and anger are common reactions after a person has had a heart attack, and emotional recovery is vital to a patient's health and well-being, according to an article in the January issue of the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

For example, people who develop depression after a heart attack are more likely to require hospital care within a year for a heart-related problem than heart attack survivors who aren't depressed. Heart attack survivors with depression are also three times more likely to die of a future heart attack or other heart problems.

These differences in health outcomes may be partially due to a lack of follow-up care, the article said. People who are depressed are less likely to take medications and follow advice from their doctors.

The article offered some tips from experts to help heart attack patients with their emotional recovery:

• Discuss your feelings openly and honestly with your doctor, family members and friends.
• If you think you may be depressed, seek treatment.
• Talk to your doctor about joining a cardiac rehabilitation program. Many of these programs offer counseling and support groups.
• Get regular exercise as directed by your doctor. Not only does exercise boost heart health, it may help relieve anxiety and depression.
• Try to resume the activities and hobbies you enjoyed before your heart attack. They may help keep you in a positive mood.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about resuming your life after a heart attack.