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Psychological Care of Cardiac Patients

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Manual

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Abstract

These goals may be achieved both directly and indirectly. Participation in an exercise program, for example, may both improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce depression or anxiety as the individual feels they are gaining control over their illness and their life. Similarly, changes in depression or anxiety may improve adherence to medication or exercise regimens. Nevertheless, any interventions can be divided broadly into those that address behavioral change, and those that address emotional issues. Psychological processes are central to each of these goals. Accordingly, this chapter will introduce a number of psychological approaches targeted at each outcome. These are not specialist interventions to be used by psychologists with a minority of patients experiencing significant problems. Rather, they, or the principles on which they are based, can usefully be incorporated into any rehabilitation program. Before addressing them, however, the chapter briefly considers the psychological impact that an acute cardiac event can have on the individual, and psychological factors that may contribute to their willingness or otherwise to engage fully in their rehabilitation.

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Acknowledgment

Thanks to the Heart Manual – NHS Lothian for permission to reproduce these pages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK

    Paul Bennett

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  1. Paul Bennett
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Correspondence to Paul Bennett .

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  1. Privatuniversität, Universitätsinstitut für Präventive und, Paracelsus Medizinische, Lindhoffstr 20, Salzburg, 5020, Austria

    Josef Niebauer

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Bennett, P. (2010). Psychological Care of Cardiac Patients. In: Niebauer, J. (eds) Cardiac Rehabilitation Manual. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-794-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-794-3_3

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-793-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-794-3

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