Reducing Caregiver Distress and Cardiovascular Risk: A Focus on Caregiver-Patient Relationship Quality

Abstract

Spouses report elevated levels of distress upon assuming a caregiver role; this role and related distress might, ironically, increase the cardiovascular risk of spousal caregivers of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physiological, behavioural, and emotional factors experienced by caregivers can contribute to enhanced CVD risk. Despite an appreciation of these established associations few approaches have shown effectiveness in reducing a caregiver’s stress. It is known that CVD can produce additional strain on a caregiver-patient relationship, in turn accentuating caregiver distress. Poor relationships are known to be a detriment to cardiovascular health and negatively influence behaviours affecting CVD risk and outcomes. In light of these findings, we argue in this nonsystematic narrative review that enhancing caregiver-patient relationship quality in secondary prevention programs might afford an appropriate and timely opportunity to reduce caregiver distress and improve the cardiovascular health of the patient and their spousal caregiver. Evaluations of the effect of couples-based interventions on patient and caregiver CVD risk and health outcomes are required.