Anxiety, Anger, Personality, and Heart Disease

Abstract

For several centuries the connection between mind and heart has been debated among scholars. Particularly, it has been noticed that several psychopathological conditions might predispose to the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The present chapter moves through the different aspects of this association. First, the role of anxiety in the etiopathogenesis of heart diseases has been discussed. Second, the prevalence and therapeutic options of anxiety disorders in individuals already suffering from a cardiovascular disease, as well as their role in the progression of these health conditions, have been explored. Finally, we described the interaction between some personality traits and cardiovascular health. Our chapter underlines the importance of investigating the presence of anxiety and personality disorders in people suffering from heart disease. Clinicians should accurately recognize mental health conditions and promptly treat them in cardiac patients who manifest psychological distress. Additionally, the prevention and the timely identification of cardiovascular issues in psychiatric patients appear to be of primary importance for limiting their progression and improving the short- and long-term outcome.