Final answer:
Stress and negative emotions are closely linked to the development of cardiovascular disease. Negative affectivity, which includes a variety of distressing emotions, and other psychological factors such as depression, anger, and hostility can increase the risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stress and negative emotions can significantly impact the development and course of cardiovascular disease. Negative affectivity, a tendency to experience emotions such as anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, fear, and nervousness, has been linked with both hypertension and heart disease. For instance, studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of negative affectivity are more likely to develop hypertension and are at greater risk for heart disease, heart attack, or angina. Moreover, depression has been identified as part of the emotional puzzle that can elevate the risk for heart disease. Other psychological factors like anger and hostility can also contribute to cardiovascular disorders by creating social strain and leading to disease-promoting cardiovascular responses. Therefore, the psychological and emotional health of an individual plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.