The effects of stress, emotion, and behavior on the heart

Abstract

The relationships between emotional status, neurohormonal control and the cardiovascular function are reviewed. In the first part of this paper, we reviewed (1) the pathways between brain and heart, physiology of the defense reaction and the role of the autonomic nervous system in the mediation of the effects of stress; (2) the cardiac manifestations of emotional stress, and (3) the role of stress and the influence of circadian variations in the occurrence and development of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction and sudden death. In the second part, we discussed the relationship between behavior, coronary heart disease and particularly the role of the so-called type A behavior and hostility. Finally, we emphasize the importance of life-style changes to improve the prognosis of coronary disease and to limit the progression and ultimately to cause a regression of atherosclerosis. Thus, it appears that a transdisciplinary approach associating cardiologists, neuroscientists and behavior scientists will help to devise more effective strategies for the prevention and early therapy of cardiovascular disease.