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Emotional Triggering of Cardiac Dysfunction: The Present and Future

  • Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases (A Steptoe, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Mental stress and emotional arousal can act as triggers of acute myocardial infarction and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Experimental research examining mechanisms of the adverse interplay between mind and heart has led to the discovery of mental stress-induced cardiac dysfunction or myocardial ischemia (MSIMI). Evidence about the prevalence, clinical significance, and mechanistic bases of MSIMI outlines a wide range of central and peripheral bio-pathologic processes that are associated with emotions and behaviors. MSIMI is recognized as an integrated and intermediate biomarker underpinning the negative mind-heart interplay. Particularly, MSIMI research paves the way toward investigations aiming more specifically at recognizing the susceptibilities of individuals who are prone to respond adversely to the psycho-social-environmental stress. This article reviews recent literature on MSIMI research following the comprehensive review of Strike and Steptoe Eur Heart J 24:690–703, 2003. Further, this article outlines the main steps in the identification of the specific bio-pathologic manifestations of the cardiovascular system to emotional stress. Finally, a speculative description is provided of future directions in better searching for areas that may be critical targets in resolving adverse mind-heart interplays.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the editing provided by Dr. Stephen Boyle and Medical School student III, Julia Sun.

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Wei Jiang declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Duke University Medical Center, Box 3366, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Wei Jiang

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Correspondence to Wei Jiang.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases

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Jiang, W. Emotional Triggering of Cardiac Dysfunction: The Present and Future. Curr Cardiol Rep 17, 91 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-015-0635-3

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