Coronary heart disease tirelessly occupies a leading position among the causes of mortality, both globally and in Croatia. Despite the fact that the healthcare system for the treatment of heart diseases in Croatia provides high-quality services, equal to those in the most developed countries of the world, diseases of the heart and blood vessels continue to represent a significant cause of illness and death. Medical technology and methods of treating somatic diseases have advanced, but the incidence of heart diseases remains unchanged throughout the evolutionary development of humanity, indicating that we are lagging behind in the fight against these diseases due to health neglect. Neglect of health, which we can actively prevent through primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, is one of the key modifying factors. Despite technical advances and excellence in treatment, coronary heart disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Neglect of health, manifested through a low level of self-care, such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and other factors, increases the risk of heart disease. We face evolutionary new challenges - lifestyle and mental health. Mental health is proving to be a key factor in a healthy life, as evidenced by the link between stressful events and coronary heart disease. This further emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to health that includes mental well-being, because as defined by the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, psychological and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease and infirmity. Research into the influence of lifestyle on mental health as a risk predictor for coronary heart disease aims to deepen the understanding of this complex relationship. Focusing on the neglect of health as a public health challenge, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the links between lifestyle, mental health and the incidence of coronary heart disease. By analyzing the findings and giving recommendations, the intention of this paper is to advance preventive strategies and contribute to the improvement of public health in the field of mental well-being and cardiovascular diseases.