Effect of psychosocial factors on physiologic outcomes in patients with heart failure

Despite advances in its treatment, the epidemic of heart failure continues unabated in the United States and is escalating worldwide. The extremely high morbidity and mortality seen with heart failure demand creative approaches to this problem. Attention to nontraditional risk factors for rehospitalization and mortality, in addition to traditional medical risk factors, may yield improved outcomes. Psychosocial factors, particularly lack of social support and depression, are associated with poorer outcomes in cardiac patients. However, few studies have been conducted among patients with heart failure. In this article, the evidence relating poor quality of life, social isolation and lack of emotional support, anxiety and depression, and morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure is discussed. Also explored are possible mechanisms for the association between psychosocial variables and physical outcomes and related clinical and research implications.