E08: The contribution of mental health to the cardiovascular disease risk - Christos Lionis

In this episode, we host Christos Lionis, Professor of Primary Care and Public Health at the University of Crete, to discuss the critical link between mental health and cardiovascular disease risk, with a focus on the recent ESC consensus recommendations in this field. We explore the key biological and psychosocial mechanisms linking stress, depression, and anxiety with cardiovascular outcomes, the role of social determinants of health, and why mental health conditions should be considered independent cardiovascular risk factors. The discussion also highlights practical screening approaches, the need for integrated care models, and priorities for improving prevention in vulnerable populations. A concise, clinically focused episode bringing mental health to the forefront of cardiovascular prevention. ----‐---------------------------------------------- Script-Prep: Fotios Barkas Interviewer: Fotios Barkas