Mental Health Disorders Significantly Increase Heart Disease Risk and Mortality

A recent study highlights a concerning link between mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to research from Emory University, individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD face a 50% to nearly 100% higher risk of developing heart disease. Furthermore, these conditions are associated with an increased likelihood of adverse outcomes, including greater mortality rates by 60-170% among those with existing heart conditions.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, examines disparities in cardiovascular health among populations with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding the bidirectional relationship between mental and physical health. Conditions like depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, panic disorder, and phobic anxiety show strong associations with heightened CVD risk, with schizophrenia nearly doubling the risk.

The research also reveals that more than 40% of individuals suffering from CVD concurrently have a mental health condition, indicating a significant overlap that complicates diagnosis and treatment. The underlying mechanisms may involve dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which play crucial roles in managing stress responses, inflammation, and metabolism. When these systems are dysregulated, it can lead to increased inflammation, high blood pressure, and other factors contributing to cardiovascular health deterioration.

Social determinants of health, including barriers to care, affordability, health literacy, and stigma, further exacerbate disparities in treatment and outcomes for people with mental health conditions. Traditional prediction models for heart disease often overlook mental health factors, underscoring the need for an integrated approach to care.

To address these disparities, experts advocate for interdisciplinary care teams that coordinate behavioral, mental, and cardiovascular health services. This approach aims to improve health outcomes and promote equity for individuals with mental health disorders. The findings emphasize that ensuring access to comprehensive and inclusive healthcare is fundamental to achieving better cardiovascular health and enabling full societal participation for those affected.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-mental-conditions-heart-disease-mortality.html