The psychological perspective: a professional view

Abstract

Psychological issues surrounding the care of patients with cardiovascular disease are many and diverse. This paper discusses three main areas: cognitions, emotions, and social support. The examples given relate primarily to post-myocardial infarction patients but the concepts discussed are relevant to other aspects of cardiovascular disease. Patients' cognitions can influence early help seeking for symptoms of myocardial infarction, attendance at cardiac rehabilitation, behaviour change, and return to work. Depression and anxiety are common following myocardial infarction and can be associated with increased mortality. Mood changes must therefore be addressed as part of the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Social support also plays an important part in cardiac rehabilitation.

Figure 1

Estimated rates of return to work. Reproduced from Petrie et al,⁴ with permission