[Psychological and psychosocial factors in sudden cardiac death]

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of very frequent terminal stages of cardiovascular pathology. Its risk may be increased by various negative psychological and psychosocial factors.

Critical discussion of data dealing with the above factors as related to the development of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and SCD, respectively, possible physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms mediating the impact of these factors upon the heart, and the psychophysiological and/or psychosomatic aspects of SCD prevention.

Review and analysis of publications related to this topic issued over the past 25 years.

Psychological and psychosocial factors playing the most important role in the development of the above cardiovascular disorders and the triggering of SCD include: acute as well as long-term stressful life situations, certain negative behavioural and personality characteristics, and lack of support in the social environment. The effect of these factors upon the heart is mediated by the brain influences contributing to cardiovascular regulations.

Psychological and psychosocial factors may play a part in the development of cardiovascular pathology and may trigger processes resulting in SCD. The effect of positive psychological and psychosocial influences upon cardiovascular and other systems of the human organism should be taken into account in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders including the SCD.