Factors Associated With Caregiving Burden and Psychological Distress Among Family and Unpaid Caregivers With Cardiovascular Conditions Caring for Older Adults

This study examined factors associated with caregiving burden and psychological distress among informal caregivers with cardiovascular conditions (CVC). A secondary analysis of the 2024-2025 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving included 792 community-dwelling older adults and their caregivers with CVC. In the regression on caregiver burden, higher burden was linked to female gender, younger age, leg strength and low energy limitations, sleep disruptions, greater negative emotion, and longer caregiving hours, while higher positive emotion was protective. For psychological distress, higher distress was associated with caregiver breathing problems, difficulty returning to sleep, negative emotion, higher care support, and greater caregiving burden, whereas positive emotion was protective. These results indicate that psychosocial factors and physical challenges contribute to distress among caregivers with CVC. The association between care support and distress suggests support may be insufficient. Interventions targeting emotional well-being, sleep, and functional limitations may help reduce distress.