OTTAWA, December 16, 2025 — New research led by a team at the Ottawa Heart Institute highlights that emotional and relational factors play a vital role in heart-disease recovery. Published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology (CJC), the study shows that supportive intimate relationships can improve health behaviours, mental well-being, and potentially cardiac outcomes for patients and their partners.
The review found that 77% of couples-based interventions led to positive health behaviour changes, with additional evidence of benefits for both cardiac and mental health. Yet few existing programs directly address relationship quality.
“Heart disease affects the couple, not just the patient,” said Heather Tulloch, PhD, a clinical, health, and rehabilitation psychologist, scientist, and director of the Cardiovascular Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine Laboratory at the Ottawa Heart Institute, and lead author of the article published in the CJC. “Strong relationships can support recovery, but many couples struggle. We need interventions that recognize the partner’s essential role.”
The study underscores the need to expand traditional, individually focused cardiac rehabilitation. Partners often help drive recovery by supporting medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and healthy routines. Including them systematically in care could strengthen both emotional adjustment and long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Tulloch and colleagues recommend developing stepped-care models within cardiac rehabilitation to better identify couples in distress and provide appropriate support. They also call for future research that includes more diverse populations and measures outcomes for both members of the couple.
“To improve heart health, we must treat the patient’s heart and nurture the relationship,” said Dr. Tulloch. “Doing so may enhance recovery, well-being, and quality of life for both partners.”
For more information
Read the study: What about Love? A Review of Cardiac Rehabilitation Interventions for Patients and their Intimate Partners
Media contact
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca