cardiac psychology
an emerging subspecialty of behavioral medicine that studies how behavioral, emotional, and social factors influence the development, progression, and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). Among the psychosocial factors that have been linked to the onset and exacerbation of CHD are anger, hostility (see Type A personality), anxiety, depression, psychological stress, job stress, and social isolation or lack of social support. Contextual factors, including socioeconomic status and ethnicity, may contribute to CHD as well. These variables influence the disease’s development both directly by damaging the cardiovascular system through alterations of physiological functioning (e.g., high levels of stress hormones, exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity) and indirectly by facilitating unhealthy practices such as cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet. In addition to researching the causal relationships between
psychosocial factors and cardiovascular disease, cardiac psychologists design interventions to prevent the disease or improve the prognosis and quality of life of those who already have it. These interventions focus on the nonphysical aspects of adopting and maintaining healthier lifestyles. For example, cardiac psychologists often provide information about CHD, teach constructive coping strategies (e.g., relaxation skills, time management skills, stress management skills), and conduct individual and group therapy to address illness-related and mental health issues. Also called behavioral cardiology; psychocardiology.