Extensive research has documented a link between mental health conditions and higher CVD risks
Around 49,000 people under 75 in the UK die from heart and circulatory diseases each year, BHF figures reveal. And now, startling new research has uncovered the true extent to which mental health may worsen your personal risk.
The new report, published in The Lancet, gathered the opinions of several leading researchers to assess the ‘current state of knowledge’ regarding inequalities in cardiovascular health among people with mental health disorders. This evaluation focused on a number of common challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The results are particularly concerning for those suffering from major depression, as they face a reported 72% higher risk of developing any form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Those diagnosed with bipolar disorder or panic disorder also face worsened risks of 61% and 50%, respectively, while phobia-related anxiety is associated with a 70% increased risk.
However, it’s those diagnosed with schizophrenia who are said to have the most elevated risk of CVD, measured at ‘nearly 100%’. And, despite PTSD ranking last on the list, those battling it still face a 57% raised threat.
Professor Viola Vaccarino from Emory University in the US stressed that essential changes are needed in healthcare delivery. “More than 40 per cent of those with cardiovascular disease also have a mental health condition,” she said.
“The tight connection between cardiovascular and psychological health warrants changes in the health care system that are more amenable to patients with comorbidities. A clinical team would be ideal for the care of these patients—a team of specialists, social workers, and nursing staff who work in collaboration to provide multidisciplinary care and resources.”
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The new report follows a wealth of research that has documented a clear relationship between mental health conditions and abnormal stress responses within the body. This crucially includes how our ‘hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis’—or HPA—influences our immune response and metabolism.
According to the report, dysregulation of this system in combination with others may encourage ‘adverse downstream effects that can affect cardiovascular risk chronically’. These may include high blood pressure and increased inflammation, both potential risk factors for heart disease.
The researchers acknowledged that there are still many uncertainties regarding such threats, and further studies are required. However, the review concluded that ‘an integrated approach’ to ‘address the complex needs of this vulnerable population’ is needed for the ‘best care’.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) describes a group of conditions that impact the heart or blood vessels. The NHS explains that it is usually linked to a ‘build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries’ and a worsened risk of blood clots.
Right now, CVD is among the main causes of death and disability in the UK, though healthy lifestyle habits can often help to prevent it.
Some risk factors of CVD include:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking regularly
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Inactivity/lack of exercise
- Being overweight/obese
- Family history of CVD
- Being from a south Asian, Black African or African Caribbean background
- Drinking alcohol
- Poor diet habits
- Poor mental health
For more information, head to the NHS website.