Psychological distress influences disease progression, functional recovery, and overall well-being in patients with coronary heart disease. To support evidence-based clinical practice, this study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine systematically retrieved and synthesized guidance on the assessment and management of psychosocial distress in CHD.

Using the ‘5S’ evidence model, a top-down search strategy identified relevant guidelines, best practice statements, evidence summaries, expert consensus, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published from database inception through September 10, 2025. Two independent reviewers screened and appraised the literature, and evidence was synthesized using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence grading and recommendation system.

A total of 21 publications were included: 3 guidelines, 5 expert consensus documents, 1 clinical decision, and 12 systematic reviews.The synthesis summarized 24 pieces of evidence across five domains: personnel qualifications and multidisciplinary team composition; psychological assessment; psychological interventions; continuity of care and follow-up management; and identification and referral of severe psychological issues.

The synthesized evidence consolidates best available guidance on early psychosocial assessment and intervention in CHD. These findings may inform individualized psychological support strategies in clinical settings and promote patient engagement in cardiac rehabilitation.