[Psychocardiology: clinically relevant recommendations regarding selected cardiovascular diseases]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Medicine

Context:

• Psychosocial risk factors (work stress, low socioeconomic status, impaired social support, anger, anxiety, depression), personality traits (hostility), and post-traumatic stress disorders can adversely affect cardiovascular disease incidence and progression.
• Systematic screening for these psychosocial factors is crucial for comprehensive patient risk assessment and management.
• Physician-patient communication should be patient-centered, considering gender and age-specific needs.

Purpose:

• To highlight the negative influence of psychosocial risk factors on cardiovascular diseases.
• To emphasize the importance of screening for and managing these factors.
• To outline evidence-based treatment recommendations for psychosocially at-risk cardiovascular patients.

Summary:

• Integrated biopsychosocial care offers an accessible approach to managing psycho-social risk factors.
• Multimodal treatment strategies, including psychotherapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective for improving quality of life in patients with cardiovascular conditions and affective comorbidities.
• Patients with implanted cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs) require regular psychosocial support, with psychotherapy and SSRIs recommended for severe mental comorbidities.

Impact:

• Early identification and management of psychosocial risk factors can lead to better cardiovascular disease outcomes.
• Patient-centered communication and tailored treatment strategies improve patient engagement and adherence.
• The integration of mental health care into cardiovascular treatment pathways enhances overall patient well-being and quality of life.