Prevention of disability due to cardiovascular diseases.

Emotional distress and interpersonal stress are extremely common in patients after myocardial infarction and typically lessen over several months. However, it is important for physicians to screen patients with CAD for certain conditions that may need further assessment and possible treatment by a mental health professional. The examination of the patient with CAD involves assessment of psychological functioning, including the patient's level of denial, anxiety, and depression; the presence of panic anxiety or depressive disorder; and neuropsychological functioning, including memory and concentration. Evaluation for the presence of persistent or excessive interpersonal strife, marital conflict, and sexual dysfunction is also important. Those with symptomatic anxiety, depression, or social or sexual dysfunction should be referred to a mental health professional who has expertise in working with CAD patients and is knowledgeable about a variety of psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatments. Patients with CAD who are unable to modify their cardiovascular risk factors satisfactorily after guidelines are clearly articulated should be referred to a center designed to help patients identify the obstacles to behavior change and to facilitate and maintain long-term adherence to these changes. Patients with CAD who are physiologically able to work but have marked work stress or a marked reluctance to return to work should be evaluated by a mental health professional.