Background:
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality
worldwide, with ischemic heart disease (IHD) accounting for roughly 50% of these events in industrialized
nations.
:
In recent years, the relative importance of IHD in less industrialized countries is also rising at an
alarming and steadily-increasing rate.
Objective:
Many experimental, observational and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the
importance of psychosocial risk factors in the development and clinical manifestations of IHD. They
act both indirectly, associated with an unhealthy lifestyle; and directly, through the activation of inflammatory
cascades and the sympathetic nervous system. They also cluster with biological risk factors
to increase the incidence and clinical manifestations of IHD. From these assumptions, there
emerges the potential that an integrated approach that incorporates psychological therapy in various
forms might reduce IHD patients’ symptoms and maladaptive behaviors, and thereby enhance their
prognosis.
Methods:
To date, three psychotherapeutic approaches have been utilized within cardiac psychology
practice: (1) cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy; (2) psychodynamic psychotherapy; and (3) ontopsychological
psychotherapy. The current article briefly describes these three approaches and how
their use might enhance the care of IHD patients.
Results:
A range of psychological characteristics influence the development, course and management
of cardiac patients’ IHD. Among others, these include patients’ emotions, attitudes, behaviors, relationships,
and stressors. State-of- the-art literature suggests that psychological interventions should
be considered in much the same way as medical interventions, in terms of their relevance to both patient
management and outcomes.
Conclusion:
For this reason, it is essential that professional psychological and psychotherapeutic
support be rendered available to cardiology patients, as a means to enhance both the effectiveness
and efficiency of care.
Changes in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and smoking habits during a 10-year period and relation between these risk factors and ischemic heart disease among men aged 45–64 years