The researcher found that depression in people seemed to change the way heart rate is controlled, which increases the risk of heart attack, Dr Herbert Jelinek from CSU's School of Community Health.

Dr Jelinek notes that "anti-depression medication does not appear to lessen this risk."

The results came from research studies carried out by the Diabetes Complications Research Initiative, which is coordinated by Dr Jelinek and researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia.

Addressing stress and social connectedness is a key component of some of the leading lifestyle programs used in Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation now financed by Medicare here in the United States.

For more information on the study: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/depression-linked-to-heart-attacks-study/story-e6frfku0-1226236828785#ixzz1icSWf6ZQ

For more information on comprehensive lifestyle programs for treating heart disease and for post-heart attack rehabilitation: http://www.ornishspectrum.com