[Negative emotions associated with cardiovascular diseases]

With regard to cardiovascular health, the role of negative emotions, particularly that of depression, anxiety, vital exhaustion and hostility has been studied the most widely. Mainly the somatic symptoms of depression and, out of anxiety disorders, generalised anxiety and panic disorder have been linked to cardiovascular diseases. Based on an analysis of interviews of patients having suffered myocardial infarction, it was found that vital exhaustion (a combination of loss of energy, increased irritability, and general demoralization) is a precursor of infarction. Vital exhaustion has proven to contribute to the development of coronary heart diseases, being one of the most important risk factors in both sexes. With regard to hostility, studies show that anger suppression and destructive anger expression (blaming others) are closely linked to a higher incidence of coronary heart diseases. Evidence shows that the relationship between negative emotions and cardiovascular diseases is one of a two-way causality, that is, the presence of a cardiovascular disease may also enhance negative emotions, low heart rate variability playing a crucial role in both diseases. This study also presents interview questions suggested by the European Guidelines (2016) to estimate negative emotions related to coronary heart diseases. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(48): 2005-2010.