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Evidence for Psychosocial Risk Factors and Behavioral Interventions in Cardiovascular Disease

  • Tobacco Use and Lifestyle (HA Tindle, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Over nearly a half century, epidemiologic studies have shown a strong relationship between several psychosocial variables and the risk of coronary heart disease. Key factors include negative thought patterns and emotions, specifically depressive syndromes, anxiety syndromes, hostility and anger, worry and pessimism. Chronic stress factors include work stress, social isolation, and low socioeconomic status. Positive psychological factors include optimism, social support and sense of purpose. Clinical trials involving behavioral interventions such as those focusing on type A behavior or depression, have had mixed results. Simple psychosocial evaluation recommended includes an inventory for assessing depression given its predominance as a psychosocial factor consistently associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Screening for other factors of psychosocial stress as well as carefully planned multidisciplinary management is also recommended to maximize the likelihood of adherence.

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No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Heart Disease Prevention Program, University of California, 112 Sprague Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697-4101, USA

    Nathan D. Wong

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  1. Nathan D. Wong
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Correspondence to Nathan D. Wong.

Additional information

Presented and adapted from the proceedings of the conference “Psychosocial Factor and Cardiovascular Disease,” sponsored by the Academy of Sciences and Arts, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 2011.

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Wong, N.D. Evidence for Psychosocial Risk Factors and Behavioral Interventions in Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 6, 528–533 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-012-0270-0

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