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Aim. To study the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) relaxation to correct symptoms of depression, anxiety, emotional and cognitive disorders in patients with heart failure (HF).Material and methods. The study included 100 patients with HF aged 21 to 83 years. A main group of 58 people was randomly selected, each of whom received a course of 5 daily VR sessions of a relaxation program. Patients in the control group underwent VR sessions containing distracting visual images without a relaxation program. During the study, mental status of all patients was assessed using questionnaires sensitive to the cognitive and emotional areas.Results. After completing five daily VR sessions with a relaxation program, patients with HF noted a decrease in stress (p=0,031) and improved sleep (p=0,002), and 2 days after completing the VR course — improved well-being (p=0,006), mood (p=0,001), sleep (p=0,003) and decreased stress (p=0,005). In addition, patients in the main group had improved daily activities (p=0,004), pain/discomfort (p=0,007), anxiety/depression (p=0,016) and general well-being (p=0,009).Conclusion. VR relaxation is effective for reducing stress, improving mental status and cognitive functioning in patients with HF.

In accordance with modern clinical guidelines, the main aim of therapy for cardiovascular risk reducing is achievement of target level of lipid parameters. Some common diseases, medications prescribed in routine clinical practice, as well as dietary disorders can cause the development of lipid metabolism disorders, called secondary hyperlipidemias. Identification and treatment (or elimination) of secondary causes of hyperlipidemia may contribute to the effectiveness of treatment of patients with lipid metabolism disorders. This review presents the underlying conditions and pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for the development of secondary hyperlipidemia.