Life events and manifestations of ischemic heart disease. Epidemiological and psychophysiological aspects.

Recent psychophysiological and epidemiological evidence from both retrospective and prospective research is discussed with regard to relationship between life events and ischemic heart disease. Differences in the perception of and in the physiological reactions to life events in the real life situation of myocardial infarction patients are analyzed with respect to both the individual coping styles, that are learned, and the highly complex underlying hemodynamical mechanisms, that are genetically determined to some extent. It is argued that a more complete understanding of this relationship could form a basis for preventive action.