The connection between mental states and heart disease is not accidental. There is strong epidemiological evidence that these are bidirectionally related conditions, which pose a risk to each other, but often coexist. The prevalence of anxiety and depression is higher in cardiac patients compared to the general population. Studies show that 20% of patients with congestive heart failure suffer from depression, while 50% of patients with acute coronary heart disease in intensive care units show some of the symptoms of anxiety disorder. (1, 2) Depressed patients have less motivation and energy for self-care activities, participate less in the treatment and rehabilitation program, which prolongs the disease, worsens symptoms, and increases mortality.

Typical symptoms of cardiovascular diseases such as fatigue, malaise and insomnia are very similar to the symptoms of depression, so they can often remain unrecognized in clinical practice and consequently insufficiently treated. Therefore, considering all the knowledge in the field of psychocardiology, early detection and successful treatment of psychological disorders (especially anxiety and depression) would improve the clinical outcome, facilitate the care of such patients, and ensure a better quality of life.