Caring for all of you
When caring for your heart, your psychological health matters, too. Studies show that psychological and cardiovascular health are connected—including behaviors that may lead to heart disease and 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 your condition's unique biological, behavioral, social and psychological aspects to prevent illness, ease the effects of heart disease and improve your quality of life.
Importance of psychological health
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
In many cases, someone 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
- Weight loss
- Pre-surgical evaluations for LVAD or transplant
- Loneliness
Medical leadership
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.