2023-06-13 11:04:56
We live in a VUCA world – characterized by volatility (volatility), uncertainty (uncertainty), complexity (complexity) and ambiguity (ambguity). Typical examples of this are crises such as Corona, the ongoing Ukraine war and existential fears due to the loss of income and quality of life due to inflation and the currently looming recession in Germany. These factors unsettle and stress many people. Stress is one of the most important risk factors for heart and circulatory diseases. Especially in combination with other causes such as smoking and obesity, it can lead to a hormonal imbalance and promote inflammatory processes, which in turn can potentially induce thrombosis and cardiac arrhythmias. The fact that a heart attack can trigger depression – but depression can also cause or worsen heart problems – shows how closely mental and physical problems are related.
strengthen psyche
“Therefore, we treat patients on both a physical and psychological level,” emphasizes Dr. Franziska van Hall, specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and medical director at the Stillachhaus private clinic in Oberstdorf. “That means we determine the underlying disease, explain the connections, teach methods for coping with stress and strengthen mental resistance, resilience.” It’s usually a long process. “We have to gradually build trust in our own bodies and the resilience of the patients and help them to integrate the knowledge they have acquired into their everyday lives.”
This is particularly important for people who have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease. Research has now shown that around 40 percent of the individual risk lies in hereditary factors. These can be identified using molecular biological or cytogenetic test methods. A family history provides the first indication of the inherited risk. Anyone who has many relatives who are still alive or who have already died with corresponding diseases should definitely get used to a healthier lifestyle. An English study has shown that people with risk genes can reduce their risk to the usual level by eating healthier.
protection from a distance
Observing patients using telemedicine and smart helpers also reduces risk. In the meantime, so-called telecardiology is used for all heart diseases, for coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as for cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac insufficiency. “Patients benefit on the one hand from the telemedical control of their state of health, the close observation of the state of recovery after rehabilitation or from the effectiveness control of medical measures,” explains cardiology Professor Thomas Meinertz from the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Heart Foundation. Their personal responsibility is also strengthened. In addition, new so-called smart devices such as smartphones and wearables would complement long-established technologies for diagnosis and aftercare. And last but not least, practitioners benefit from telemedicine, with the help of which they can exchange and transfer knowledge more efficiently.
#resilience #heart #www.inpactmedia.com