The psychological health of a person has a significant impact on their well-being and their ability to comprehend and make decisions. It is the psychological state of an individual that determines how they react to stress, how they handle interpersonal relationships, and how they process information. Consequently, it is important to understand the relationship between psychological health and CVD.
Research in the field of psychological health is multifaceted. This is because it involves both biological processes and behavior. Hence, it can be difficult to conduct research in this area. However, the increasing body of data supports a causal relationship between psychological factors and cardiovascular risk. Specifically, there is evidence that positive psychological factors may reduce CVD risks.
Negative psychological factors on the other hand have been found to increase cardiovascular risk. Several studies have explored this relationship, but only a few have evaluated the effect of psychological states on CVD over time. Many studies in this area utilize large administrative databases to ascertain exposures. They usually include self-reports of exposures, which can be confounded by many other factors.
In some studies, the association between positive and negative psychological factors on the risk of cardiovascular disease has been mediated by behavioral factors. For example, individuals with high emotional intelligence are less likely to take advantage of others, have a positive view of their personal differences, and experience a higher sense of purpose. Moreover, these individuals are more adept at recognizing underlying causes of stress and learning how to control them.
Psychological health can be affected by a variety of factors, both in life and at work. Some of these factors include economic hardship, stress, and long work hours. Others are associated with sociopolitical system and social support. Fortunately, the psychological health of employees can be improved through organizational efforts.
The World Health Organization promotes the importance of psychological health and works to promote the use of emerging evidence in this area. It recommends that organizations assess psychosocial factors as a part of employee wellness programs. One such tool is the CSA Standard, which is adapted from Guarding Minds at Work.
Various professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, are trained to diagnose, treat, and support clients who have mental health issues. Depending on the client, they often use counseling, medication, and other science-based methods.
Because there is still much to be learned about the factors that affect psychological health, additional research is needed. While there are comprehensive tests that are available to address behavioral and personality concerns, further work is needed to identify and explain pathogenic mechanisms.
Psychological health is an important part of overall health. Consequently, it is important to consider this component when evaluating patients for CVD. There is also a growing body of evidence linking psychological factors to behaviors that contribute to CVD. Despite this, the methodological challenges of conducting research in this area have not diminished.
Although a substantial body of data supports a causal relationship between negative and positive psychological factors on cardiovascular risk, the quality of ascertainment tools can limit the ability of researchers to confirm this. Further study is warranted to confirm this association and to determine the most appropriate and effective screening measures.