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Heart disease treatment and mortality in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - changes in the Danish population

Thomas Munk Laursen1, Merete Nordentoft

  • 1National Center for Register-Based Research, University of Aarhus, Taasingegade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. tml@ncrr.dk

Journal of Psychiatric Research
|June 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Individuals with schizophrenia face rising heart disease mortality, unlike those with bipolar disorder. Lower rates of cardiac procedures and somatic care may contribute to this disparity, highlighting a need for improved patient health management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder exhibit significantly higher mortality rates from heart disease compared to the general population.
  • Existing research indicates disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes for individuals with severe mental illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare heart disease mortality, somatic hospitalization rates, and invasive cardiac procedures between the general population and individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric disorders.
  • To analyze trends in heart disease mortality and somatic care from 1994 to 2006 within a Danish cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Survival analysis was employed to assess heart disease mortality and somatic care trends.
  • A comprehensive cohort of all Danish residents during the study period was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Heart disease mortality significantly increased among individuals with schizophrenia (mortality rate ratio 1.12 per 2 years), but not for those with bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders.
  • Individuals with schizophrenia had lower rates of somatic hospitalization and fewer invasive cardiac procedures compared to the general population throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

  • The escalating heart disease mortality in schizophrenia patients, coupled with lower rates of cardiac interventions, suggests a critical need for enhanced somatic care and attention to lifestyle factors.
  • Factors such as antipsychotic-induced weight gain, primary prevention strategies, and smoking cessation support are crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risks in this population.

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