A recent meta-analysis has shown that loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke. These latest findings, specific to cardiovascular outcomes, are consistent with substantial research indicating broad health risks (eg, immune functioning, cardiovascular functioning, cognitive decline) associated with the quantity and quality of social relationships—including several meta-analyses documenting mortality risk. In […]

Speciality guides for patient management during the coronavirus pandemic. Clinical guide for the management of cardiology patients during the coronavirus pandemic. 20 March 2020 Version 1“ …and there are no more surgeons, urologists, orthopaedists, we are only doctors who suddenly become part of a single team to face this tsunami that has overwhelmed us…” Dr […]

Positive psychological aspects of well-being—including positive emotions, optimism, and life satisfaction—are increasingly considered to have protective roles for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and longevity. A rapidly-growing body of literature has linked positive well-being with better cardiovascular health, lower incidence of CVD in healthy populations, and reduced risk of adverse outcomes in patients with existing CVD. This […]

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and symptoms overlap with physiological sensations of anxiety. Patients with atrial fibrillation can demonstrate anxiety sensitivity even in the absence of actual atrial fibrillation symptoms. Interoceptive exposure is effective in treating anxiety sensitivity, and recently, mindfulness has been proposed as an enhancement strategy to facilitating inhibitory learning […]

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy? Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of Cardiomyopathy, affecting both the lower and the upper chambers of the heart. It is often a genetic condition, meaning that it is caused by a mutation in one or more genes that can be passed throughout families. How is living with Dilated […]