Psychocardiology and Psychological Support for Heart Health
Heart health is not only about the heart. A cardiovascular diagnosis, symptoms such as palpitations, or ongoing concerns about blood pressure can affect mood, anxiety, behaviour, sleep, and the way someone relates to their body. At the same time, psychological stress and emotional distress can influence how cardiovascular symptoms are experienced and managed.
What psychocardiology means
Psychocardiology focuses on the interaction between psychological and cardiovascular health. It can be relevant before or after a diagnosis, during rehabilitation, or when fear and uncertainty begin to shape daily life.
Reasons people seek support
- Anxiety after a cardiac event or diagnosis
- Fear of recurrence
- Palpitations or heightened awareness of the heart
- Stress related to hypertension or cardiovascular risk
- Adjustment to medication, monitoring, or lifestyle changes
- Low mood, fatigue, or loss of confidence
- Difficulty returning to normal activity
How therapy can help
Therapy can help reduce fear and hypervigilance, improve coping with uncertainty, support adjustment to illness, and make it easier to re-engage with daily life and health behaviours. My approach is informed by clinical psychology and research in psychosomatic medicine and cardiology.