The Importance of Religiosity / Spirituality in the Prognosis of Heart Patients: An Approach to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Religious and spiritual beliefs have long been held to deal with difficult situations. Studies have shown that psychiatric disorders in the short and long term can be reduced by the practice of religiosity and spirituality (R/S). R/S can influence cardiovascular and pro-inflammatory markers, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Studies have shown an 18-25% reduction in mortality rates with R/S practices. Objective: This chapter sought to bring together the main results published on the influence of religiosity and spirituality on the cardiac health of patients at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Development: R/S practices may be associated with clinical outcomes with less progression of CVD, being a protective predictor. However, R/S is in most medical services neglected in cardiac rehabilitation programs. The results showed that increases in religiosity were associated with increases in weight and QoL in patients who underwent cardiac procedures. The findings suggested that higher levels of R/S might be related to improved QoL among patients with CVD. Conclusion: The studies covered in this chapter revealed that religiosity and spirituality can act positively on several fronts in the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing the mental and physical health of patients with heart and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to helping to develop preventive and therapeutic measures. Health professionals and managers must be able to address these beliefs, seeking to understand them in each of their patients, offering comprehensive care.