Caring for all of you
When it comes to caring for your heart, your psychological health matters too. Studies show that psychological health and cardiovascular health are connected—including behaviors that may lead to heart disease as well as emotional and social factors that affect you before or after a cardiac diagnosis.
Our cardiac psychology services treat you as a whole person. We care for the unique biological, behavioral, social and psychological aspects of your condition, with the goal of preventing illness, easing the effects of heart disease and improving your quality of life.
According to the American Heart Association, it’s important to consider psychological health as part of your overall care plan for heart disease because:
- There is a clear link between psychological health and cardiovascular disease and risk.
- Psychological health may affect behaviors and other factors that put you at risk for heart disease.
- Taking steps to improve psychological health can benefit your heart health.
- Psychological screening can help health providers better care for those at risk for or with cardiovascular disease.
Common reasons for cardiac psychology services
There are many cases where someone living with a cardiovascular condition may benefit from cardiac psychology services. You may consider a visit with a cardiac psychologist for:
- Stress/anxiety
- Adjustment to illness
- Sleep problems
- Lifestyle change (diet, exercise)
- Treatment adherence problems
- Pérdida de peso
- Pre-surgical evaluations for LVAD or transplant
- Loneliness
Liderazgo
Jamile Ashmore, PhD, ABPP
Medical Director, Department of Medical Psychology
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital
Dr. Ashmore is board-certified in clinical health psychology. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as chair of the Executive Well-Being Advisory Committee and facility dog program. His research focuses on the psychosocial aspects of chronic disease and provider drivers of occupational burnout.