Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is on the rise globally and, along with mental health conditions, will represent the largest public health burden, especially in a world impacted by climate change. Behavior, psychological mechanisms, and CVD are closely correlated. Evidence-based psychological interventions targeting behavior and psychological mechanisms exist across the CVD spectrum. This statement proposes the development of a subspecialty "cardiovascular psychology" to develop integrated pathways of behavioral care delivered to CVD populations. Scope of practice is discussed as it relates to diagnosing and treating comorbid health disorders, behavioral change interventions, pain management, lifestyle and wellbeing, neuropsychological assessment, and cognitive rehabilitation. An agenda on reforms for financials, training pathways, and diversification of the workforce is presented. Finally, normalizing the integration of behavioral health as part of CVD treatment is a shared responsibility across professional organizations and the community to realize value-based CVD care.
Competing Interests: Dr Smolderen has received unrestricted research grants from, Merck & Co, Inc, Shockwave Medical Inc, Philips and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson&Johnson; and is a consultant for Happify Cook Medical Inc, and Terumo. Dr Evers has received grant funding from the Dutch Research Council (Stevin Grant). Dr Kovacs is a consultant for Thryv Therapeutics; and is owner of Equilibria Psychological Health. Dr Mena-Hurtado has received grant funding from Merck & Co, Philips, Shockwave Medical, Inc; and is a consultant for Cook Medical, Inc, Haemonetics, and Terumo. Dr Massa-Carroll is the owner of Colorado Psychological Services. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.
(© 2024 The Authors.)