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The mind-heart connection in coronary artery disease

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Comprehensive Therapy

Conclusion

In conclusion, the central nervous system has an important role in maintaining the heart’s function and in integrating cardiac responses with behaviors. Acute and chronic stressors may cause CAD mortality by activating neurocardiologic pathways. Psychosocial risk factors and mental stress by central and autonomic dysfunction may precipitate fatal cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, or cardiomyopathy. Psychosocial connections and spiritual beliefs reduce stress and are important sources of emotional support, hope, and increased quality of life in CAD patients. Further studies are needed on other factors or medications involving the neurocardiogenic pathways.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Family Medicine Department, Valle University School of Medicine, Cali, Colombia

    Carlos A. Reyes-Ortiz MD

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Reyes-Ortiz, C.A. The mind-heart connection in coronary artery disease. Compr Ther 25, 169–173 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02889614

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02889614

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