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Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Irritable and depressed and obsessiveForum: The Heart Forum
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My 46-year-old husband who had a heart attack and double bypass surgery four years ago has become SO cranky, irritable, depressed at times and obsesses about things that never bothered him before. He used to be so easy-going. I know the heart attack, surgery and meds effect people physiologically and they will never be the same. How do I get him to take Zoloft (St. John's Wort doesn't seem to help and he refuses to take a prescr. antidepressant) or something like it? The gloom and tension in our house is terrible and, though I know better intellectually, I think everything is my fault. What can I/he do to help? I can't stand this. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Judy A heart attack/bypass surgery forces people to confront their mortality. This can be very sobering. In addition, bypass surgery can cause subtle changes in personality. However, since your husband's event was four years ago, it is difficult to blame that for his current behavior. You can try getting him to see a psychiatrist. If he is adamantly opposed to that idea, try talking to the religious figure (e.g. priest) in your lives, if such a person exists. If not, have a friend or trusted relative talk to him. You can also have your family physician talk to him. I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck. Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
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