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Januzzi et al¹ imply that psychosomatic heart disease was first recognized in the mid 19th century. In fact, 12th-century theologian and physician Moses Maimonides discusses the concept of psychosomatic medicine,² albeit not specifically in relation to coronary artery disease.³

The third chapter of Maimonides' medical treatise Regimen of Health⁴ contains his concept of "a healthy mind in a healthy body," one of the earliest descriptions of psychosomatic medicine. He indicates that the physical well-being of a person is dependent on his mental well-being and vice versa. Maimonides here teaches public and private hygiene for the preservation of the health of body and soul. He emphasizes preventive medicine and mental hygiene as factors of fundamental importance in the maintenance of health.

Maimonides demands total treatment of the patient, including his physical body and his soul. He stresses the treatment of the patient, not the illness. Maimonides' theory on mental and physical . . . [Full Text of this Article]