Elia Georgieva, MD, assistant professor in Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management

The cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in Bulgaria. They cause lots of psychosocial problems, which affect the quality of life of the involved persons. The aim of this article is to outline the association between depression and social support and cardiovascular diseases. Depression is a common problem in persons with diseases of the heart and is a curable condition. The early diagnosis of depression is important for the successful recovery and better psychosocial rehabilitation of the involved persons.

The lack of social support is related to unfavourable prognosis after a heart disease. The success of the cardiovascular rehabilitation depends on the insurance of social support and the involvement of the family members.

Key words: heart disease, depression, social support.