Bedeutung von psychosozialen Faktoren in der Kardiologie – Update 2024

Psychosocial factors are becoming increasingly more important as evidence-based risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in that they promote the development and contribute to the progression. In contrast, cardiovascular diseases can adversely affect patients' mental well-being. Due to this knowledge, guidelines and position papers on the diagnostics and treatment of cardiovascular diseases recommend screening for psychosocial risk factors. This position paper presents the current state of knowledge in this field and addresses ongoing psychocardiological challenges, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and stress-related psychological trauma. The central pathways involving the autonomic, endocrine and immunological systems and their pathology are discussed as the psychophysiological basis for linking mental and somatic processes related to the heart. In addition to screening instruments and diagnostic procedures, multimodal treatment concepts including psychoeducation, exercise and movement therapy, stress management, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are also presented. The most important information is summarized in key statements. Primary care providers, such as general practitioners, cardiologists and internists can provide fundamental psychocardiological care; in cases of severe mental health disorders a specialized interdisciplinary treatment should be carried out.