Abstract

The present study reviewed a variety of scientific evidence supporting the psychophysiological hypothesis that psychosocial stress plays an important role in the onset and the progress of coronary artery disease (CAD). For example, according to animal model with monkeys, psychosocial stress leads to twofold incidence of CAD. In epidemiological studies with human subjects, psychosocial stresses such as social isolation, low social support, Type A behavioral pattern, and hostility facilitate the onset of CAD. In addition, an attempt was also made to review articles regarding a variety of psychological interventions for the prevention of CAD and the reduction of recurrency. Particularly, special attention was paid to studies on the modification of TABP, the reduction of hostility, and the applications of stress management programs purporting for relaxation response in the prevention of CAD and the reduction of recurrency.