Traits of a sick heart: Psychology in dialogue with Cardiology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), cardiovascular diseases lead the ranking of deaths in the country. There is also overcrowding of hospitals with this demand, which demonstrates the urgency in investments and studies in the area. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to conduct an investigation about the emotional factors that involve cardiovascular diseases in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, as well as causes and treatment under the bias of psychology. METHODS: It is a research of a revisional character through the bibliographical survey of the thematic that had as reference the qualitative approach from the database BVS-PSI, books and chapters of books. RESULTS: Outlined categories in the most relevant themes found in the research, organized in the following groups: psychophysiology of emotions; psychological aspects; symbology of the heart; surgery and the surgical patient; performance of the psychologist. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The multifactoriality of the disease points to the importance of an expanded view on health-disease phenomena. Therefore, this study hopes to contribute to advances in the knowledge of cardiovascular diseases under the bias of psychology.