Studies on prodromata of myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death suggest that psychological experiences like 'general discomfort', 'fatigue/weakness', and 'emotional changes' are as frequently reported as 'chest pain'. A psychological survey - the 'Maastricht Questionnaire' (MQ) - was constructed to measure those prodromata. In several studies it was found that the MQ was positively associated with imminent MI, with MI, with the Type A coronary-prone behavior pattern, and with reported stressful life changes. These associations do not appear to be confounded by somatic risk factors, thus implying to measure an independent psychologic constellation.