[Psychosocial stress as a risk- and prognostic factor in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction].

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) challenge patients and social systems alike. Epidemiologic and economic data underscores demands for additional knowledge and therapeutic options. As recent data shows, psychosocial stress is underestimated as a risk- and prognostic factor in CVD. Cardiac mortality rises sharply whithin a small time-frame after a catastrophic event. But even common daily hassles, anxiety, depression or personality traits can impair cardiac health. Social networks are thought of being cardio-protective. However, if not perceived as supportive, social networks may influence cardiac health negatively. Therefore new approaches emerge against one of the most relevant disease of our time.