Is the term “psychosomatic illnesses” correct in relation to cardiovascular diseases?

Abstract

Mortality from diseases of the cardiovascular system has been at the forefront throughout the world for more than 20 years, and especially during the recent years. More than 16% of all deaths are due to these diseases. So, in Russia – this is the most common cause of death, which accounts for 47% of all lethal outcomes, more than 900 thousand people died from these diseases. Out of all cardiovascular diseases, a larger proportion falls on coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension with its complications – myocardial infarctions and strokes. Among psychosomatic disorders, cardiovascular diseases are the most common. Moreover, mainly people who tend to constantly experience tension and negative emotions suffer from them. In “optimistic” people, these disorders are much less common. In the literature, two polar beliefs regarding psychosomatics can be found. Some believe that many health problems are associated with mental disorders, while the majority are sure that no negative emotions can be the cause of physical disorders in the human body.

Keywords

• somatics
• psyche
• functional disorders