Abstract
Objective: To analyze the influence of mental illness, emotional stress and other negative psychological and emotional factors in the appearance of cardiovascular disorders, in relation to the pathophysiological aspects and prevention and treatment. Methods: This is an integrative review study. The search for articles was carried out in the databases of SciELO, LILACS and PubMed through the descriptors: "Cardiovascular Diseases", "Coronary Disease", "Hypertension", "Mental Health" and "Psychological Stress". Articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish published from 2019 to 2021 that met the objective of the study were included. Results: The main pathophysiological mechanisms evidenced were: excess of catecholamines due to sympathetic hyperactivation, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, disturbances of homeostasis, stimulation of atherosclerosis and low adherence to drug treatments. The main preventive and therapeutic interventions identified were: the practice of aerobic physical exercises and changes in eating habits. In addition, workload and sex emerged as additional factors. Final considerations: The identification of pathophysiological, preventive and therapeutic mechanisms allows an adequate intervention in these patients in order to avoid the development of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the practice of physical exercises and the improvement of eating habits should be encouraged.