Would going to a psychologist about stress relief help my coronary artery disease?

It Could: It would definitively be beneficial as long as you deal with the other issues such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, cigarette avoidance and exercise as well. Many factors come together to affect you and taking care of emotional stressors is part of the whole package.

It can: But preferably see a physician as stress relief can also be achieved with actually knowing whether you really have cad, its extent and severity, as well as risks including possible treatment options.

Maybe: Therapists can help you learn to reduce your stress levels. High stress levels cause the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to over produce cortisol & adrenaline, which can increase arterial plaque, bp, LDL cholesterol (bad type), and possibly glucose dysregulation. Stress may elevate homocysteine levels that can cause cell damage. Reducing stress, exercise & improving diet & sleep all help.

Stress: Biofeedback and hypnosis with relaxation training do help.

Stress: Psychologist trained in biofeedback would be best.

Yes: It can only help. Stress is associated with CAD but determining its exact impact is unknown (there isn't a stress titer blood test).

Stress: It would certainly help you cope better with stress.