Spirituality Can Impact Cardiovascular Health

Conventional medicine has traditionally concentrated on treating a patient’s symptoms. Now, more and more practitioners are finding that patients who have their spiritual needs met have better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Many studies have found that spiritual coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, yoga, prayer, daily affirmations, and expressing gratitude can improve mental health. There are also numerous physical health benefits, especially related to cardiovascular health, to regular implementation of what is known as spiritual coping. The term means using belief systems, attitudes, and mindfulness practices to manage emotional distress or hardship. Connection, purpose, meaning, and balance in life can be the rewards of spiritual coping. Research confirms that patients with religious affiliations have higher levels of purpose, belonging, and resilience, although being religious is not necessary to the practice of spiritual coping.

The physiological symptoms of stress, which include temporary states of hypertension and increased heart rate, are contributing factors to cardiovascular disease. Spiritual coping practices such as mindfulness, self-awareness, listening to music, prayer, and meditation give patients the tools to self-manage stress and reduce the impact of stress-related cardiovascular reactivity. Motivation to adhere to lifestyle changes is also a factor in positive outcomes for patients facing not only cardiovascular issues but countless health conditions. Patients need to connect with themselves on a deeper level and find meaning in an activity or enjoyable practice.

Functional medicine recognizes the importance of the mental-emotional-spiritual connection to physical health. Practitioners help patients reconnect with their purpose in life through empathetic listening while recommending ways to address the patient’s spiritual needs.