Abstract
Objective: To analyze the pathophysiology and pathological consequences in view of the influence related to emotional factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases as well as their prevention and clinical treatment. Bibliographic review: The pathophysiological responses of the cardiovascular system related to stress events trigger a complex immune cascade that affects several cells of the immune system, in addition to being related to sympathetic hyperactivity and the reduction of parasympathetic activity. The prevention of cardiovascular disease through stress reduction is related to at least three occasions: guidance to the population on the importance of reducing stress and its adverse effects, stress as a risk factor for high-risk groups and stress being considered as a risk marker. Treatment requires understanding of the clinical and psychological risk factors in order to integrate medical treatment, lifestyle modification and management of psychosocial stressors. Final considerations: Stress directly affects the cardiovascular system, therefore, practices that have been shown to reduce such feelings as changes in behavior and lifestyle, modification of the risk factor and psychosocial well-being are important to relieve stress and, consequently, the development of problems heart attacks.