Clarissa Biondi May 2026

Biondi’s studies often measure .

Biondi’s research emphasizes the significant role that psychological factors—particularly —play in the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease.

: Her findings support the idea of a two-way relationship between emotional distress and heart health, where psychological symptoms can emerge in response to a cardiac diagnosis, while existing mood disorders can exacerbate physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure. clarissa biondi

: Distress significantly impairs a patient's ability to maintain employment, engage in social interactions, and resume regular physical or sexual activity following an acute cardiac episode.

A significant portion of Biondi's work focuses on —the way individuals think about their own thoughts. Biondi’s studies often measure

: Her research suggests that modifying these beliefs can directly reduce emotional distress, offering a potential target for improving the efficacy of standard cardiac care and rehabilitation programs. Impact on Quality of Life

: Anxiety is identified as a primary obstacle to successful cardiac rehabilitation (CR). It can lead to complications such as lethal arrhythmia or recurrent myocardial infarction and often results in longer hospital stays and reduced functional capacity. Metacognitive Beliefs and Emotional Distress : Distress significantly impairs a patient's ability to

: In one study involving an Italian cohort, psychological distress accounted for up to 37% of the variance in a patient's quality of life, even after adjusting for clinical factors like BMI.