Cited by 442Cardiac Health and Mental HealthPsychosomatic Disorders and Their TreatmentsHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control

Going to the heart of the matter

Kubzansky, Laura D, Kawachi, Ichiro·2000·Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Abstract

Objective Negative emotions, such as anger, anxiety, and depression, have emerged as potentially important risk factors for coronary heart disease. The purpose of this article is to consider the nature and function of emotions, to review epidemiological evidence for an association between the three negative emotions and coronary heart disease (CHD), to discuss briefly the mechanisms by which emotions may be linked to CHD, and to consider this evidence in light of theoretical insights provided by mainstream psychological research on emotions.Methods We collected articles published between 1980 and 1998 on the relationship between each negative emotion and CHD. We also collected review articles or chapters published during the same time period that considered mechanisms by which emotions may increase CHD risk. We used a qualitative approach to review the published literature.Results Evidence that anxiety is involved in the onset of CHD is strongest, whereas evidence for an association between anger and CHD is limited but suggestive. Although depression has consistently been linked to mortality following a myocardial infarction, evidence for its role in the onset of coronary disease is quite mixed. Numerous unresolved issues leave our current understanding of the emotion-health relationship incomplete. Psychological theories of emotion are considered to help address gaps in our knowledge.Conclusion Growing evidence indicates that negative emotions may influence the development of CHD. The focused and specific consideration of negative emotions and their possible role in the etiology of CHD gives insight into current knowledge and suggests important directions for future research.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/s0022-3999(99)00091-4

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Authors
Kubzansky, L. D., & Kawachi, I.
Affiliations
Harvard University (US)
Corresponding author
Kubzansky, Laura D
Venue
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2000-04
Volume
48
Issue
4-5
Pages
323-337
ISSN
0022-3999 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2144555034
Cited by
442
References
168
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 23
FWCI
3.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Psychosomatic Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiac Health and Mental Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
Keywords
negative emotions, coronary artery disease, anger, anxiety, depression, emotions and health, myocardial infarction mortality, psychosocial risk factors
MeSH terms
Affect, Anger, Anxiety, Coronary Disease, Depressive Disorder, Female, Humans, Male, Risk Factors, Epidemiologic Studies

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