Psychological factors and coronary heart disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although psychological factors play an important role in coronary heart diseases (CHD), it seems there is a need for more researches in this respect. The present study aimed to review psychological factors, including depression, anxiety and stress related to etiology and prognosis of CHD. METHODS: This was a review on medical and psychological literatures, particularly in the years 1995-2012. RESULTS: As protective factor or risk factor, psychological factors play an important role in CHD. CONCLUSION: Given the findings of this study, it seems necessary that we pay attention to psychological factors, as independent risk factors or protective factors for CHD.