Value, Implementation, and Opportunities for Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine: A Special Issue Commentary

Behavioral and psychosocial factors related to the incidence, progression, and treatment of cardiovascular health, have seen increased attention in recent years, from scientific statements to a robust and growing body of literature. Despite this attention, and clear need to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) the world over, implementation of cardiovascular behavioral medicine, specialty care that addresses behavioral and psychosocial risk factors among those with, or at risk for, CVD, remains limited. The current commentary discusses the contributions of the diverse body of science published in the Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Special Issue of Health Psychology. The authors outline how the special issue articles highlight the value of behavioral medicine education, science, and clinical practice for cardiology and cardiovascular subspecialities, such as heart failure, as well as opportunities for growth and implementation. This commentary outlines the ways in which the special issue furthers understanding of the current and future possibilities for cardiovascular behavioral medicine to grow as a field and influence cardiovascular health and wellbeing.