Social Support, Mental Health and Cardiac Disease

Worldwide, cardiac disease is the major cause of morbidity and death. Evidence has demonstrated that several psychosocial factors (i.e., depression, anxiety, type A behavioral pattern, type D personality, anger trait, low social support) combined with traditional risk factors (e.g., smoking, diabetes, drinking, lack of adherence to medical treatment, familiarity), could increase the onset’ risk of a cardiac disease or affect its prognosis. Among these psychosocial factors, a major role is played by social support. Evidence has in fact shown that low or no social support is strictly related to other negative psychological conditions (e.g., anxiety or depression), that in turn could lead, directly or indirectly, to the onset of a cardiac disease or to an adverse prognosis. Conversely, a good social support could have a cardioprotective effect on individuals suffering of cardiovascular diseases. However, literature has suggested that the health benefits of social support are overall moderated by their affiliative quality. Due to the central role of social support in the etiology and prognosis of a cardiac disease, the importance of taking it into account in cardiac rehabilitation and preventive programs will be discussed.