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Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease by Psychological Methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Derek W. Johnston
Derek W. Johnston*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE
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Abstract

It is generally recognised that much cardiovascular disease is the result of voluntary behaviour such as smoking cigarettes, and the pursuit of stress-prone lifestyles. Since these risks are primarily behavioural, it is appropriate to attempt to alter them, and hence reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, using psychological methods, and such methods can reduce both biological and psychological stress-related factors. Studies of healthy populations, of those at increased risk, and of patients with clear cardiovascular disease have all shown that risk-related behaviour can be altered and, in some cases, the incidence of cardiovascular disease reduced. Future research will have to extend these findings, which were often on atypical populations, and confirm reduction of cardiovascular disease.

Type
Review Articles
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 154 , Issue 2 , February 1989 , pp. 183 - 194
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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