Biopsychosocial approach in cardiological care: a scoping review of integrated treatments for personalized patient care

Objective We conducted a scoping review of the literature focusing on combining biomarker detection and psychological evaluation according to the biopsychosocial approach to expound the multifactorial aspects of cardiological care. Method The search strategy was restricted to the 2014–2024 period. The core of this evidence-based analysis was the investigation of emotional and behavioural signs in cardiovascular (CV) risk/disease, the characteristics of adherence, and the efficacy of psychological treatments, especially highlighting the evidence of studies based on pre–post study design models for the investigation of psychological treatment efficacy in CV risk/disease. Results The literature includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses on patient education for the effectiveness of psychological interventions on psychosocial aspects and, consequently, on adherence to therapeutic prescriptions. From this perspective, it is important to adopt the biopsychosocial approach in the prevention, evaluation, and management of CV disease to understand all determinants of disease and multidisciplinary treatments. Topics are arranged into six themes: (1) epidemiological aspects of the included studies, (2) medical and psychological insights into CV research protocols from an integrated biopsychological perspective, (3) evidence of emotional and behavioural symptoms in CV risk, (4) evidence of emotional and behavioural symptoms in CV disease, (5) characteristics of adherence and psychological treatment, and (6) evidence of pre- and post-psychological treatment in CV risk/disease. Conclusions This review demonstrates that interventions are required to address patient factors, such as emotional, behavioural, and cognitive dimensions, that can improve the quality of life and adherence to medication. The link between physical and mental care is crucial and should be supported by extensive evidence-based outcomes in terms of tailored actions in health monitoring and management of CV risk/disease clinical targets.