Psychocardiology, an emerging interdisciplinary field, focuses on the interplay between psychological factors—particularly stress, depression, and anxiety—and cardiovascular health. Mental health and cardiology have long been viewed as separate disciplines. However, mounting evidence reveals that psychosocial stressors significantly affect cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. With cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remaining a leading cause of mortality worldwide, understanding the influence of psychological factors is critical in designing comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.

Despite considerable advances in pharmacotherapy, surgical interventions, and preventive cardiology, the persistent burden of CVD suggests that there are underlying contributors beyond the traditional risk factors—hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and smoking. Stress, depression, and anxiety can act as both independent and synergistic predictors of poor cardiovascular outcomes, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction. Moreover, these psychological factors may impede adherence to recommended medical therapies and lifestyle changes, further exacerbating cardiovascular risk.

This chapter aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms through which stress, depression, and anxiety influence cardiovascular health and disease. Emphasis will be placed on the physiological pathways, epidemiological evidence, and clinical implications for assessment, prevention, and treatment within a psychocardiology framework.