Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, and a growing body of research shows that recovery from them is not only a medical process, but also an emotional and social one. A new study demonstrates that strong, supportive relationships can genuinely improve heart health in people diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

The study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology by Elsevier, calls for patients’ close partners to be included in cardiac rehabilitation programs. According to the authors, such an approach can improve not only long-term heart health, but also the quality of life of both partners.

An analysis of the effectiveness of couple-focused programs showed that 77 percent of the studies reviewed reported improvements in health-related behaviors. These changes involved both cardiovascular risk factors and the mental health of patients and their partners. In some cases, positive shifts were also observed in clinical indicators as well as in emotional well-being.

According to Heather Tulloch, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, it is surprising that despite the well-established link between relationship quality and heart health, only a small number of interventions directly address relationships themselves. Cardiac events, she emphasizes, affect not only the patient but the couple as a whole—sometimes bringing partners closer together, and sometimes placing significant strain on the relationship.

Today, cardiac care is largely focused on the patient alone. Couple-oriented programs, however, propose a different approach by involving both partners in recovery and lifestyle change. This is justified, as partners often help prepare healthier meals, encourage physical activity, and monitor adherence to treatment. At the same time, the impact of such programs on emotional adjustment and relationship quality has not yet been sufficiently studied, and the authors stress the need for further research in this area.

As healthcare systems increasingly move toward patient- and family-centered models of care, involving partners in cardiac rehabilitation may offer tangible benefits. Not only patients benefit, but also their loved ones, who often share similar cardiovascular risk factors. As Tulloch notes, future programs should help couples cope with illness while simultaneously strengthening physical health, psychological well-being, and the relationship itself.