Studies on the Nature of Certain Symptoms Associated with Cardiovascular Disorders*

Abstract

The cardiovascular and respiratory functions of a small group of healthy individuals were studied day by day in reference to a variety of life situations. Short term observations were also made on selected patients. Cardiac output measurements were secured by means of a specially constructed ballistocardio-graph. Respiratory measurements included O2 consumption, minute ventilation, tidal volume, vital capacity and utilization coefficient and were secured with a Benedict Roth type of spirometer. It was found that anxiety, anger, guilt, rage, frustration and tension may result in dyspnea or palpitation. If anatomical narrowing of the coronary arteries is present, heart pain may result from the increased cardiac work incident to emotions such as rage, anxiety and fear. It may also accompany a fall in coronary output and blood flow resulting from feelings of desperation and defeat. Giddiness and faintness may occur in response to stress-producing life situations in association with feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and fear. Individuals differ in the intensity and duration of their cardiovascular and respiratory responses to life situations and the same individual reacts differently at different times and under different circumstances. Adverse life circumstances, together with the associated emotional reactions, result in inefficient and costly respiratory and cardiac performance. This may be manifested in cardiovascular symptoms not completely dependent on gross structural heart disorder.