: Anxiety is identified as a primary obstacle to successful cardiac rehabilitation (CR). It can lead to complications such as lethal arrhythmia or recurrent myocardial infarction and often results in longer hospital stays and reduced functional capacity. Metacognitive Beliefs and Emotional Distress

: Her research suggests that modifying these beliefs can directly reduce emotional distress, offering a potential target for improving the efficacy of standard cardiac care and rehabilitation programs. Impact on Quality of Life

A significant portion of Biondi's work focuses on —the way individuals think about their own thoughts.

Clarissa Biondi is a researcher often associated with clinical psychology and health sciences, specifically within the context of and cardiovascular health .

Biondi’s studies often measure .

: She examines how dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs (like catastrophic worry or the perceived need to control thoughts) perpetuate anxiety and depression in cardiac patients.

: Her findings support the idea of a two-way relationship between emotional distress and heart health, where psychological symptoms can emerge in response to a cardiac diagnosis, while existing mood disorders can exacerbate physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure.