Every 1.5 seconds, someone dies from heart disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). CVDs are the leading cause of death globally. A new report has now found that certain mental health conditions may escalate the risk of heart disease. A recent report from Emory University shows that some mental health conditions increase the risk of heart disease by 50 to 100%. The findings are published in The Lancet. Mental health and heart disease
The shocking report shows that certain mental health conditions amplify the risk of heart disease by about 50 to 100% and adverse outcomes from existing heart conditions by 60 to 170%. The mental health conditions linked with heart disease include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The health experts are aiming to raise awareness around disparities in CVD health in four populations: women, the elderly, racial minorities, and those with mental health conditions.The report says:
- Major depression increases the risk by 72%.
- PTSD raises the risk by 57%.
- Bipolar disorder leads to a 61% increased risk.
- Panic disorder leads to a 50% spike.
- Phobic anxiety was associated with a 70% increased risk.
- Schizophrenia, shockingly raises the risk by nearly 100%.
The report also suggests that these conditions are linked with a poorer prognosis, greater risk for readmission, and higher mortality from existing heart conditions. For instance, major depression doubles the mortality rate in those with existing CVD. “More than 40 percent of those with cardiovascular disease also have a mental health condition,” Emory University professor Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD, who led this metareview, said in a statement. The physiology of stress
The report shows that depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, and abnormal stress responses are closely linked to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis (HPA). The former allows the brain to manage involuntary responses, such as functions of the liver, heart, sweat glands, and eye muscles. ANS is also in charge of both acceleration and deceleration of these functions, regulating inflammatory responses. Since most major organs have ANS nerve endings, this system impacts most bodily functions.The hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) also influences immune response and metabolism, which can impact cardiovascular function. The report says that dysregulation of these systems creates “adverse downstream effects that can affect cardiovascular risk chronically, including increased inflammation, metabolic abnormalities, high blood pressure, enhanced systemic vascular resistance and autonomic inflexibility.” Inflammation also has a role in both the development of heart disease and mental health conditions.What are experts saying
To reduce cardiovascular disease disparities in people with mental health disorders, the researchers recommend an integrated approach with interdisciplinary care encompassing behavioral, mental, and cardiovascular health.
“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,” Vaccarino added.