Mechanisms linking Mental Health Problems and Cardiac Disease: A Review

Psychological problems play a critical role in development of cardiovascular disease. Several mechanisms were suggested to explain the association and mechanism of this effect, recently. Knowledge of the mechanisms mediating the association between psychological status and heart disease could help in developing treatments. The effects of mind and mood on the cardiovascular system can be due to behavior related (indirect) mechanisms. In fact, mental problems can lead to some behavioral changes which are associated with cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, it can effect on the cardiovascular system directly by elevating stress hormone levels, heartbeat and blood vessels constriction. Therefore, in this review, majority of mechanisms linking mental health disorders and cardiac disease are represented in these two parts.