Relationships between critical life events, job stress and cardiovascular illness

The relationship between critical life events and the state of health has become the subject of a growing number of studies. Starting with a review of recent studies centered on coronary heart disease the paper gives an outline of the present state of research in this field. Methodological aspects are discussed and special emphasis is laid on the longitudinal approach which is illustrated by several studies conducted by the author. The use of life event information could play an important role in preventive action. There are by now psychophysiological and clinical findings to support this pathway, namely as regarding secondary prevention, e.g. after a first myocardial infarction, but an efficient application requires further exploration of this field.