5 Psychological Conditions Of Heart Disease Patients And Strategies To Manage It

Illustration of strategies to manage psychological conditions for people with heart disease (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA Heart disease is generally recognized when a person feels certain physical symptoms. Such as chest pain, palpitation, fatigue, to shortness of breath. However, in addition to physical symptoms, people with heart disease also feel certain psychological conditions. The following are the psychological conditions of people with heart disease and strategies to manage it.

Heart disease often triggers deep anxiety. This is characterized by a very large fear of future events related to the disease. These increasing feelings of anxiety manifest in sleep disorders, panic attacks, and worsen the underlying heart condition. Thus, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in managing anxiety related to health problems.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients identify, challenge, and change irrational fear thereby reducing overall anxiety levels. Launching Psychology Today, Monday, April 22, mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises are recommended to help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Depression is a further symptom of a diagnosis of heart disease that attacks 30 percent of patients. The chronic nature of heart disease coupled with limited lifestyles and persistent health management, contributes significantly to the prevalence of depression among these patients.

Managing depression for heart disease patients requires the involvement of a mental health professional. Either for counseling or sustainable therapy. In addition, cardiologists and ghost rhythm specialists in Orange Country, California, Aseem Desai, MD., recommends. Patients with heart disease need to do regular physical activity that is beneficial for increasing mood and providing social support.

Stress worsens heart disease by increasing heart rate and blood pressure so that the cardiovascular system is increasingly burdened. Therefore, stress not only contributes to triggering heart disease but also worsens the condition of heart disease patients.

The strategy of managing stress for people with heart disease is to apply physical activity regularly. For example, regular yoga or meditation that is useful for increasing relaxation and focusing the mind.

Denials usually occur as a defense mechanism after a diagnosis. A person with heart disease may take time to accept that he is suffering from an illness. Although some people denial is temporary, some are prolonged so that it causes non-compliance with medical advice.

Because of denial patients, usually lifestyles are still not adjusted. So, in order to follow effective management, it needs clear and loving communication. Both from health service providers and family.

Adjustments to new limitations and lifestyle changes needed in the treatment of heart disease often cause feelings of anger and frustration. Emotions can be directed at yourself, loved ones, or health service providers.

Well, to manage anger and frustration, it is necessary to learn anger management techniques. For example, helping heart disease patients express feelings more constructive. Regular physical activity also helps release tensions, manage healthy emotions, and outlets.