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Cardiac rehabilitation and mental health screening are essential components of effective long-term health and well-being management. The intersecting issues of cardiac rehabilitation and mental health can be complex and comprehensive and require comprehensive assessment, support and treatment planning. Those with a heart condition should be aware of the unique needs of their mental health and how this relates to their overall health and well-being.
Understanding Mental Health Disorders & Cardiac Rehabilitation
Mental health disorders and cardiac rehabilitation require special consideration in order to ensure maximum benefit and minimal risk. Those with a mental health disorder often have additional challenges due to the mental illness – such as the inability to comprehend medical instructions or to coordinate self-management, which can further compromise their cardiac health.
Comprehensive Assessment is Essential
Comprehensive assessment prior to and during cardiac rehabilitation is essential in order to determine the presence of any mental health issues. Mental health issues can significantly impact the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation and interfere with an individual’s ability to benefit from the program. To ensure maximal long-term success, mental health issues must be addressed in an individualized and integrated manner.
Managing Mental Health & Cardiac Rehabilitation
Mental health and cardiac rehabilitation must be managed in a holistic fashion. This includes combining psychological and physiological components such as exercise, behavioral strategies, stress management and cognitive restructuring. Effective management of both mental health and cardiac rehabilitation requires an experienced and knowledgeable healthcare professional who understands the role of each in the overall health and well-being management of the individual.
Emotional Support & Monitoring Mental Health
Emotional support is essential for those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Research indicates that patient factors, such as psychological support, have been shown to improve patient outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation. This indicates that providing sufficient levels of emotional support prior to, during and after cardiac rehabilitation is essential. Additionally, monitoring of mental health issues during the cardiac rehabilitation process is also essential in order to ensure maximal success.
Conclusion
Cardiac rehabilitation and mental health are closely interconnected. Proper assessment, management and monitoring of both are essential in order to ensure effective long-term health and well-being. Successful cardiac rehabilitation and mental health management require collaboration by both the patient and healthcare team. It is essential that those with a heart condition understand the unique needs of their mental health and how it relates their overall health and well-being.
Keywords: cardiac rehabilitation, mental health, assessment, management, monitoring, emotional support, long-term health, well-being