A recent article and companion infographic published in Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention presents information on the role of anxiety, depression, social isolation, and anger/hostility in heart health. Led by Allison E. Gaffey, PhD, clinical psychologist (cardiovascular medicine), the team of researchers and clinicians built upon their previous research to illustrate how these psychological factors can impact cardiovascular health outcomes.
The article concentrates on the psychological aspects influencing patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, a medically guided regimen aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health following major cardiac events like heart attacks. The researchers emphasize that one-third of patients in these programs experience anxiety and/or depression. Importantly, the article highlights that cardiac rehabilitation programs can alleviate depression symptoms and reduce anger/hostility among patients.
To learn more, read the graphic and article: “Psychological Risk Factors in Cardiac Rehabilitation.”
Graphic Citation: Gaffey, Allison E. PhD; Goldstein, Carly M. PhD, FAACVPR; Hays, Megan M. PhD, FAACVPR; Lee, Sharon Y. PhD; Gaalema, Diann E. PhD, FAACVPR. Psychological Risk Factors in Cardiac Rehabilitation: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND ANGER/HOSTILITY. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention 43(6):p E20-E21, November 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000828
Article Citation: Gaffey AE, Goldstein CM, Lee SY, Hays MM, Gaalema DE. Psychological Risk Factors in Pulmonary Rehabilitation: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2023 Dec 12. doi: 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000843. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38079256.