Document Type : Review Article

Authors

• Zohreh Khayyam-Nekouei ¹
• Hamidtaher Neshatdoost ²
• Alireza Yousefy ³
• Masoumeh Sadeghi ⁴
• Gholamreza Manshaee ⁵

¹ PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, Isfahan Sciences and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

² Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

³ Associate Professor, Department of Medical Education, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

⁴ Associate Professor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

⁵ Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Isfahan Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

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.   Keywords: Coronary Heart Disease, Psychological Factors, Depression, Anxiety, Stress