Virtual Reality and Cardiac Diseases: A Systematic Review of Applications and Effects

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Technology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac diseases represent a growing global health concern with significant economic impact.
• Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a novel tool in healthcare research.
• This study systematically reviews VR applications in managing cardiac diseases.

Approach:

• A comprehensive systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches were performed across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases.
• Twenty-six randomized trials investigating VR's effects on cardiac conditions were included.

Key Points:

• VR applications in cardiac care fall into physical rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation, and education/training.
• VR use in rehabilitation reduces stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and hospitalization duration.
• VR enhances technical skills, procedural speed, knowledge, and confidence in healthcare education.

Conclusions:

• VR demonstrates predominantly positive effects in cardiac disease management.
• Limitations include small sample sizes and short follow-up periods in current studies.
• High-quality, long-term studies are necessary to fully establish VR's efficacy in cardiac care.