Open AccessPsychosocial risk factors in cardiac practice
Author(s) -
Francesco Giallauria,
Valentina Battimiello,
Mariagrazia Veneziano,
Paolo Di Luca,
Ilenia Cipollaro,
Maria Buonincontro,
Carlo Vigorito,
Domenico Del Forno
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
monaldi archives for chest disease. pulmonary series/monaldi archives for chest disease/monaldi archives for chest disease. cardiac series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.196
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 2465-101X
pISSN - 1122-0643
DOI - 10.4081/monaldi.2007.455
Subject(s) - psychosocial , stressor , psychological intervention , medicine , disease , coronary artery disease , social support , clinical practice , risk factor , intensive care medicine , psychology , clinical psychology , physical therapy , cardiology , psychiatry , psychotherapist
A large number of studies investigated the link between psychosocial risk factors and atherosclerosis or cardiac events. They found that emotional factors and chronic stressors strongly influence the course of coronary artery disease, by promoting the same pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for atherosclerosis. Thus, cardiologists often find in cardiac practice patients that presents psychosocial risk factors, needing the development of interventions aimed to management of these factors. Some of these interventions are the same that are traditionally used in clinical practice, such as exercise training and nutritional counselling, while others are more specific, and require the presence of psychologists (behavioral strategies, relaxation training, social support, etc.). Behavioral cardiology is an emerging field of clinical practice based on the recognition that psychosocial risk factors can promote atherosclerosis and adverse cardiac events. It requires the development of practical solutions aimed at the management of adverse lifestyle behaviours, emotional factors, and chronic stress.