ESC Urges a Cultural Transformation to Address the Link Between Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease

A recent Clinical Consensus Statement from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) emphasizes the critical need for a paradigm shift in healthcare to better manage the complex relationship between mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease. Published during ESC Congress 2025 in the European Heart Journal, this landmark document highlights the bidirectional influence of mental health and heart health, advocating for integrated care models.

The consensus calls for routine screening of mental health symptoms in cardiovascular patients and vice versa, underscoring that individuals with mental health issues are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, while those with cardiovascular disease often face mental health challenges. This overlap results in poorer overall health outcomes for these patients.

A primary recommendation is the formation of multidisciplinary Psycho-Cardio Teams composed of cardiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals. These teams should be embedded within standard cardiovascular care pathways, tailored to local healthcare needs, to facilitate early detection and comprehensive treatment.

Furthermore, the statement stresses the importance of recognizing psychosocial and mental health risk factors during cardiovascular risk assessments, even among healthy individuals, to enable preventative strategies. The authors advocate for a cultural change among healthcare providers—acknowledging the impact of mental health and fostering collaboration across specialties.

The document also highlights significant gaps in current knowledge, particularly in establishing evidence-based protocols for supporting mental health in the context of cardiovascular disease. It points out the increased prevalence of mental health conditions among those living with severe mental illnesses and the associated increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Professor Héctor Bueno and Professor Christi Deaton, co-Chairs of the task force, emphasize that understanding and addressing this bidirectional relationship is vital for improving patient outcomes. They call for the development of tailored care pathways and policies to embed mental health considerations into cardiovascular practice, ultimately promoting person-centered, holistic healthcare.

This shift in clinical approach aims to reduce the health disparities faced by patients with coexisting mental health and cardiovascular conditions and to foster a healthcare environment that recognizes the importance of mental well-being in physical health management.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-esc-cultural-shift-adverse-combination.html