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Moersch summarizes theory in the field of psychosomatics. The question underlying the present investigation was: Under what psychological conditions, to be ascertained psychoanalytically, do patients suffer myocardial infarction? I. Kerz-Rühling reports on the available psychological literature concerning the genesis of heart disease and the structure of the cardiac patient's personality. S. Drews and R. D. Nern formulate the objectives and the execution of the study, which was concerned with the conceptualization not of psychological processes, but of the psychological conditions under which these arise. K. Kennel presents a case history—excerpts from an initial interview as well as comments. Structural conflicts which the patient acquired in childhood and which have become latent since then became mobilized in a life-historical crisis; the infarction appears as an answer to this crisis. R. Kelleter demonstrates that fixations on pregenital developmental stages are especially characteristic in this patient group. C. Rodriguez points out that object relations in an oral mode are typical. According to Kerz-Rühling, the specific defense constellation of myocardial infarction patients is the compensation for infantile deprivation by means of ideas of grandeur. These patients tend to deal with conflicts by denial; they usually decline psychotherapy of any duration. R. Fischer provides an overview of the contemporary theory of defense. The characteristic defense of these patients is to deny their dependence on others and their body perceptions. Compulsive defenses, repression, and projection are also observed. Denial exists side by side