Heart Disease and Psychology

There are numerous “risk factors” associated with cardiac problems, most of them having to do with genetics, diet, exercise, and other physical considerations, but many of the treatment approaches deal with changes in lifestyle. Since such changes require changes in attitude, behavior, and even emotions, psychological treatment of heart disease is becoming recognized as a vital component in the overall treatment of cardiac patients.

Anger management and stress management are essential to lowering the stress of anyone who suffers from essential hypertension or cardiovascular problems.  In addition, we need to address the changes in lifestyle required to achieve maximum protection from possible heart attacks or strokes.  Smoking cessation programs, physical exercise, and nutritional counseling can all be helpful.   Psychotherapy is also quite useful in helping people to discover that they can learn new behaviors and habits.  People who are naturally pessimistic can be shown how to turn their pessimistic styles into optimistic ones.  Psychotherapy can also help us to learn how flexible we can be.