Optimal healing environments for chronic cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Integrative Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is projected to increase significantly due to demographic shifts and rising obesity and diabetes rates.
• Current technological advances improve acute CVD event survival but translation of research for chronic illness prevention and treatment remains suboptimal.
• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) pathogenesis and demographics necessitate novel approaches to patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review obstacles and approaches to optimal care for chronic cardiovascular disease.
• To introduce and explore the concept of an optimal healing environment (OHE) as a model for integrative cardiac health care.
• To examine underexplored aspects of cardiac care, including provider/patient characteristics, mind/body/spirit wholeness, and psychosocial factors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of demographics and pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
• Conceptual exploration of the optimal healing environment (OHE) model.
• Discussion of psychosocial factors and their impact on cardiovascular health.

Main Results:

• The paper defines and explores the optimal healing environment (OHE) as a novel model for integrative cardiac care.
• It highlights the importance of intrapersonal/interpersonal dynamics, mind/body/spirit integration, and psychosocial factors in cardiovascular health.
• The concept of healing versus curing is discussed in the context of chronic cardiovascular illness.

Conclusions:

• An optimal healing environment (OHE) may offer new strategies for healing the heart and improving chronic cardiovascular disease management.
• Integrating mind, body, and spirit is crucial for a holistic approach to cardiovascular health.
• Further research into the impact of OHE could renew medicine's healing mission and emphasize the heart-mind-body connection.