In this groundbreaking work, distinguished contributors explore the myriad relationships between networks of social support and the development, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with cardiovascular disease. Chapters span the range from conceptual to methodological issues, and take into account gender, environmental, and cultural differences. The book will provide a wealth of information for clinicians and students in the fields of behavioral medicine, psychophysiology, and cardiovascular disease.

I. Key Concepts.- 1. An Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease.- 2. Conceptualization and Methods in Social Support Theory and Research as Related to Cardiovascular Disease.- 3. Assessment of Social Support.- 4. Measures of Health Outcome in Social Support Research.- II. Establishing a Relationship Between Social Support and Cardiovascular Disease.- 5. International Epidemiological Evidence for a Relationship between Social Support and Cardiovascular Disease.- 6. A Critical Evaluation of U.S. Epidemiological Evidence and Ethnic Variation.- III. Individual, Environmental, and Cultural Factors in Social Support and Cardiovascular Disease.- 7. Social Support in the Work Environment and Cardiovascular Disease.- 8. Cross-Cultural Differences and Social Influences in Social Support and Cardiovascular Disease.- IV. The Development of Cardiovascular Disease.- 9. Social Support and Coronary Heart Disease: Underlying Psychological and Biological Mechanisms.- 10. Social Influences on the Development of Cardiovascular Risk during Childhood and Adolescence.- 11. The Role of Social Support in the Modification of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease.- V. The Crisis and Rehabilitation Phases of Cardiovascular Disease.- 12. Social Support and the Progression and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease.- 13. Social Support and Adjustment to Myocardial Infarction, Angioplasty, and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.- 14. Cardiac Rehabilitation: The Role of Social Support in Recovery and Compliance.