Heart Disease

Abstract

Abstract Heart disease is a disabling, deadly, and costly medical condition. This chapter begins by examining the causes of heart disease, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD). Almost every cause of CHD is affected in one way or another by religious beliefs and practices. Next, the authors hypothesize ways that religious involvement might impact the development and course of CHD through direct and indirect pathways (mostly indirect through psychosocial and behavioral influences). They also review early and more recent quantitative research examining the relationship between religiosity and CHD to identify the role that religious beliefs and practices might play in helping individuals with heart disease to cope with this disabling condition. Recommendations for future research are recommended and applications in the clinic and community are suggested.