{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cardiovascular-health","path":"/library/cardiovascular-health","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cardiovascular-health","title":"Cardiovascular Health","family":"Library detail","description":"Learn about heart disease, its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cardiovascular-health","wordpressId":"8019","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma#person","name":"Imogen Sharma","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. George","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-25T14:15:26Z","dateModified":"2025-08-25T21:02:34Z"},"content":{"html":"

Cardiovascular Health

Written by \"\"Imogen SharmaMedically reviewed by \"\"Erin L. George

Published on · Updated on

Heart disease includes conditions that affect the heart. Coronary heart disease occurs when the heart’s arteries cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood, often because of plaque buildup. Symptoms, treatment, and long-term care depend on the specific condition[1].

\"An

Key takeaways

  • Cardiovascular illness and mental health can influence one another, complicating both prevention and recovery.
  • Heart disease symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment vary with the underlying condition.
  • Stress management, healthy lifestyle changes, and practical emotional support can complement medical care.

Heart Disease and Mental Health

Heart disease and mental health can influence one another. Mental health conditions are associated with cardiovascular risk through biological and behavioral pathways. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress can also develop after a cardiac event[2][2].

\n

Mental health symptoms can make physical activity, stopping smoking, and following a medication plan more difficult. Support that addresses both physical and mental health can help; these challenges should not be reduced to a lack of willpower or coping skills[2].

A heart diagnosis or cardiac event can bring worry, sadness, or anxiety. Tell your healthcare team if these feelings persist or affect daily life. Emotional support and appropriate mental health care can be part of recovery[3].

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Samantha Pieterse

Psychiatric nursing and mental health care

What Causes Heart Disease?

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are important heart disease risk factors. Other factors include age, family history, diabetes, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and diet. The list below describes factors to discuss with a healthcare professional[4][4].

    \n
  • Age—older people have a higher rate of diagnosis
    • \n
  • Family history
    • \n
  • Diabetes
    • \n
  • Excess body fat
    • \n
  • Diet high in highly processed food, trans fats, sodium, and sugar
    • \n
  • Lack of physical exercise
    • \n
  • Drinking too much alcohol
    • \n

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

Heart disease symptoms vary, depending on the specific illness and the individual's medical history. Examples of cardiovascular diseases include:

    \n
  • Coronary artery disease [1]
    • \n
  • Congenital heart defects [5]
    • \n
  • Arrhythmia
    • \n
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
    • \n
  • Myocardial infarction
    • \n
  • Heart failure
    • \n
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
    • \n
  • Mitral valve regurgitation
    • \n
  • Mitral valve prolapse
    • \n
  • Aortic stenosis
    • \n

Individuals with heart disease might not experience any symptoms until the condition becomes serious. High blood pressure and high cholesterol should be managed with the help of a medical professional as a preventative measure against life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Symptoms are listed below:

    \n
  • Heart attack: Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, neck pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and dizziness
    • \n
  • Heart failure: Trouble breathing, swelling due to water retention (edema), and fatigue
    • \n
  • Arrhythmia: Fluttering sensations in the chest
    • \n

How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis depends on symptoms, medical and family history, risk factors, and test results. A clinician may recommend an electrocardiogram, stress testing, imaging, or coronary angiography. The appropriate sequence depends on the clinical situation; an abnormal stress test is not always required before angiography[6].

    \n
  • Exercise stress tests: Clinicians assess how the heart responds to exercise, sometimes using ECG monitoring and imaging[6].
    • \n
  • Pharmacologic stress tests: When exercise is not suitable, medicines can be used to assess the heart’s response under stress[6].
    • \n
  • Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography: CT images taken with contrast dye help clinicians examine the coronary arteries for narrowing or plaque[6].
    • \n

How Is Heart Disease Treated?

Treatment depends on the condition and may include medicines, lifestyle changes, procedures, or surgery. Not everyone needs all of these treatments[1].

    \n
  • Anticoagulants that thin the blood
    • \n
  • Antiplatelet therapies can prevent clotting
    • \n
  • Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate
    • \n
  • Calcium channel blockers prevent arrhythmia and lower blood pressure
    • \n
  • Cholesterol-lowering medications reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
    • \n
  • Diuretics remove excess water from the body and reduce the heart's workload
    • \n
  • Vasodilators relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure
    • \n

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that may include exercise training, education, and counseling. The care team tailors activity and support to the person’s condition:[7]

    \n
  • Regular physical activity
    • \n
  • Education and support regarding a heart health-promoting diet, taking medication on time, and quitting smoking
    • \n
  • Stress reduction
    • \n
  • Counseling to stay mentally healthy and manage symptoms of depression and/or anxiety
    • \n

How to Cope with a Heart Disease Diagnosis

Ongoing medical care, prescribed treatment, and suitable lifestyle changes can help manage heart disease and reduce complications. Outcomes depend on the condition; not every heart disease can be cured or brought into remission. Your care team can help you plan changes and find support[8].

How to Help Someone with Heart Disease

When someone receives a diagnosis of heart disease, it can be highly distressing and disorienting for them and their loved ones—and there's no invalid reaction. To help them, maintain positive communication, support them as they work toward a healthier lifestyle, encourage them to attend treatment, and work together to reduce stress at home.

If a family member experiences anxiety, depression, or distress and feels unable to cope, they should consider seeking counseling for themselves. Family therapy can also be helpful. When everyone actively manages their emotional state and tries to be mentally and physically healthy, it can have a deeply positive impact on the individual with the diagnosis.

References

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, December 27). Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease? National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). About Heart Disease and Mental Health. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. British Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Emotional support and wellbeing – we’re here for you. bhf.org.uk. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Heart Disease Risk Factors. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). Congenital Heart Defects: What are Congenital Heart Defects? National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, December 27). Coronary Heart Disease: Diagnosis. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  7. American Heart Association. (2024, April 24). What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? heart.org. Accessed October 10 2026.
  8. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Coronary Heart Disease: Living With. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Imogen Sharma

Writer

Imogen Sharma is a writer and contributor, covering addiction, borderline personality disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and therapy.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Erin L. George

MFT

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

\"\"

Related community

Medical Conditions

Explore the connections between physical health conditions and mental well-being.

","text":"Home Library Medical Conditions Cardiovascular Health Cardiovascular Health Written by Imogen SharmaMedically reviewed by Erin L. George Published on June 25, 2024 · Updated on August 25, 2025 Heart disease includes conditions that affect the heart. Coronary heart disease occurs when the heart’s arteries cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood, often because of plaque buildup. Symptoms, treatment, and long-term care depend on the specific condition[1]. Key takeaways Cardiovascular illness and mental health can influence one another, complicating both prevention and recovery. Heart disease symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment vary with the underlying condition. Stress management, healthy lifestyle changes, and practical emotional support can complement medical care. Heart Disease and Mental Health Heart disease and mental health can influence one another. Mental health conditions are associated with cardiovascular risk through biological and behavioral pathways. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress can also develop after a cardiac event[2][2]. Mental health symptoms can make physical activity, stopping smoking, and following a medication plan more difficult. Support that addresses both physical and mental health can help; these challenges should not be reduced to a lack of willpower or coping skills[2]. A heart diagnosis or cardiac event can bring worry, sadness, or anxiety. Tell your healthcare team if these feelings persist or affect daily life. Emotional support and appropriate mental health care can be part of recovery[3]. Subject matter expert Samantha Pieterse Psychiatric nursing and mental health care What Causes Heart Disease? High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are important heart disease risk factors. Other factors include age, family history, diabetes, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and diet. The list below describes factors to discuss with a healthcare professional[4][4]. Age—older people have a higher rate of diagnosis Family history Diabetes Excess body fat Diet high in highly processed food, trans fats, sodium, and sugar Lack of physical exercise Drinking too much alcohol What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease? Heart disease symptoms vary, depending on the specific illness and the individual's medical history. Examples of cardiovascular diseases include: Coronary artery disease [1] Congenital heart defects [5] Arrhythmia Dilated cardiomyopathy Myocardial infarction Heart failure Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Mitral valve regurgitation Mitral valve prolapse Aortic stenosis Individuals with heart disease might not experience any symptoms until the condition becomes serious. High blood pressure and high cholesterol should be managed with the help of a medical professional as a preventative measure against life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Symptoms are listed below: Heart attack: Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, neck pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and dizziness Heart failure: Trouble breathing, swelling due to water retention (edema), and fatigue Arrhythmia: Fluttering sensations in the chest How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed? Diagnosis depends on symptoms, medical and family history, risk factors, and test results. A clinician may recommend an electrocardiogram, stress testing, imaging, or coronary angiography. The appropriate sequence depends on the clinical situation; an abnormal stress test is not always required before angiography[6]. Exercise stress tests: Clinicians assess how the heart responds to exercise, sometimes using ECG monitoring and imaging[6]. Pharmacologic stress tests: When exercise is not suitable, medicines can be used to assess the heart’s response under stress[6]. Coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography: CT images taken with contrast dye help clinicians examine the coronary arteries for narrowing or plaque[6]. How Is Heart Disease Treated? Treatment depends on the condition and may include medicines, lifestyle changes, procedures, or surgery. Not everyone needs all of these treatments[1]. Anticoagulants that thin the blood Antiplatelet therapies can prevent clotting Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate Calcium channel blockers prevent arrhythmia and lower blood pressure Cholesterol-lowering medications reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol Diuretics remove excess water from the body and reduce the heart's workload Vasodilators relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that may include exercise training, education, and counseling. The care team tailors activity and support to the person’s condition:[7] Regular physical activity Education and support regarding a heart health-promoting diet, taking medication on time, and quitting smoking Stress reduction Counseling to stay mentally healthy and manage symptoms of depression and/or anxiety How to Cope with a Heart Disease Diagnosis Ongoing medical care, prescribed treatment, and suitable lifestyle changes can help manage heart disease and reduce complications. Outcomes depend on the condition; not every heart disease can be cured or brought into remission. Your care team can help you plan changes and find support[8]. How to Help Someone with Heart Disease When someone receives a diagnosis of heart disease, it can be highly distressing and disorienting for them and their loved ones—and there's no invalid reaction. To help them, maintain positive communication, support them as they work toward a healthier lifestyle, encourage them to attend treatment, and work together to reduce stress at home. If a family member experiences anxiety, depression, or distress and feels unable to cope, they should consider seeking counseling for themselves. Family therapy can also be helpful. When everyone actively manages their emotional state and tries to be mentally and physically healthy, it can have a deeply positive impact on the individual with the diagnosis. References National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, December 27). Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease? National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). About Heart Disease and Mental Health. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. British Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Emotional support and wellbeing – we’re here for you. bhf.org.uk. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Heart Disease Risk Factors. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022, March 24). Congenital Heart Defects: What are Congenital Heart Defects? National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, December 27). Coronary Heart Disease: Diagnosis. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. American Heart Association. (2024, April 24). What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? heart.org. Accessed October 10 2026. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Coronary Heart Disease: Living With. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Imogen Sharma Writer Imogen Sharma is a writer and contributor, covering addiction, borderline personality disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and therapy. Published June 25, 2024 Updated August 25, 2025 Medical Reviewer Erin L. George MFT Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health. Related community Medical Conditions Explore the connections between physical health conditions and mental well-being. Table of contentsChoose a section Heart Disease and Mental Health What Causes Heart Disease? What Are the Symptoms of Heart Disease? How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed? How Is Heart Disease Treated? How to Cope with a Heart Disease Diagnosis How to Help Someone with Heart Disease View more","wordCount":1243},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cardiovascular-health#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Medical Conditions","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/medical-conditions"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Cardiovascular Health","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cardiovascular-health"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cardiovascular-health#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/008174019eeb5649845dded8.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/008174019eeb5649845dded8.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"An older adult stretches while seated beside a bright window."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma#person","name":"Imogen Sharma","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/imogen-sharma","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/5c80785cb26e87719a408f6c.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogensharma/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. 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