This study describes the relationship between social support and coronary heart disease based on empiric or review published articles. The study bases on computerized search strategy of PsycINFO and MedLine and SciELO. Not only classic studies, but also 23 articles related to social support and coronary heart disease were selected after applying exclusion criteria. Evidences about the positive relation between availability of social support and better health outcomes of coronary patients, are shown. Variables responsible for this linkage are described, once social support has been shown relevant for treatment adherence. These circumstances justify the importance of giving instructions to the caregiver concerning patient's health as well, as how they can provide support.
Coronary disease; Social support; Caregivers