Why the study?
The multifaceted contributing factors linking cardiovascular disease and mental health issues are not fully understood despite their significant impact on health and mortality.
This review highlights the bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease and mental health, providing practical guidance for clinicians to manage these coexisting conditions.
Supports integrated CVD-mental health screening in primary care; leaves open causal pathways and interventions for prospective trials.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mental health issues are leading causes of poor health and mortality worldwide, significantly affecting both the quality and longevity of life. The relationship between cardiovascular and mental health has been recognised for decades and research suggests the contributing factors are multifaceted, but still not fully understood. Mental health issues increase the risk of developing CVD, while CVD can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.This article explores the relationship between cardiovascular and mental health and their effects on individuals. It also reviews evidence-based treatment options, including psychological therapies, medicines, exercise and cardiac rehabilitation. The author uses a case-study approach to provide practical information and help clinicians better support patients affected by these commonly coexisting conditions and thereby improve clinical outcomes.
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Joanne Haws (2025) studied this question.
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