Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
04:24

A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Published on: April 19, 2019

11.7K

Healing Hearts Together - an emotionally focused intervention for couples after a cardiac event: a randomized

Heather E Tulloch1,2, Paul S Greenman3, Jennifer Reed1,2

  • 1University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Frontiers in Psychology
|August 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The Healing Hearts Together (HHT) study investigates relationship quality in couples after a cardiac event. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to improve cardiovascular health through relationship support.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Relationship Science
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Couple relationships significantly impact health outcomes, with distress linked to cardiovascular risk and support to heart-healthy behaviors.
  • Relationship quality is a critical factor influencing patient recovery and long-term well-being following cardiac events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of the 8-week Healing Hearts Together (HHT) intervention in improving relationship quality among couples affected by cardiac disease.
  • To assess the intervention's impact on secondary outcomes including mental health, quality of life, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the HHT intervention group with usual care (UC).
  • Participants (patients and partners) were recruited within 6 months of a cardiac event and randomized 1:1.
  • Data collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and other measures; intention-to-treat analyses planned.

Main Results:

  • Anticipated results indicate higher relationship quality in the HHT intervention group compared to usual care.
  • Improvements are also expected in secondary outcomes such as mental health, quality of life, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to examine a relationship-enhancement program for couples managing cardiac disease.
  • Findings are expected to highlight the clinical implications of relationship interventions for improving cardiovascular health and patient outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
attachmentcardiovascular diseasecouplesemotionally focused therapy (EFT)interventionrelationship quality

More Related Videos

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment08:25

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Published on: December 6, 2024

518
Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction05:26

Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Published on: May 28, 2019

9.4K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
28
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
33
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused01:20

Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused

Emotion-focused coping refers to a set of strategies aimed at managing the emotional impact of stressors, rather than directly addressing their causes. This approach involves altering one's emotional response to stressful situations to reduce their psychological effects. For example, individuals might talk with a friend or engage in activities like journaling to express their feelings. Such actions can help achieve emotional clarity or release, providing the psychological stability needed...
149
Couples Therapy01:26

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals in intimate relationships address conflicts, improve communication, and foster healthier dynamics. It is appropriate for couples at various stages, including those who are dating, married, or in long-term partnerships, and aims to support partners in navigating their unique relational challenges.
Core Principles and Techniques
Couples therapy often incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles to identify and modify negative...
89
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
38
Angina V: Nursing Management01:20

Angina V: Nursing Management

Angina, a symptom of myocardial ischemia, requires a structured nursing management approach to ensure effective care and prevent complications like myocardial infarction. Comprehensive nursing care involves assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes, all tailored to the individual patient's needs.Patient AssessmentNursing assessment begins with a detailed subjective evaluation of symptoms, which typically include chest pain or pressure radiating to the...
49