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04:42
Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Evidence for accelerated vascular aging in bipolar disorder
Simrit K Sodhi1, Jonathan Linder, Catherine A Chenard
1Department of Psychiatry, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1057, United States.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|August 2, 2012
Summary
Individuals with bipolar disorder over age 32 show increased vascular stiffness, linked to lifestyle factors. This suggests long-term illness course and behaviors contribute to cardiovascular risk, potentially treatable through interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Bipolar disorder is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- The underlying biobehavioral mechanisms and temporal development of this risk are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vascular stiffness in individuals with bipolar disorder.
- To compare vascular stiffness to population norms to understand its time course.
- To examine the relationship between vascular stiffness and behavioral risk factors.
Main Methods:
- 62 participants with bipolar disorder underwent non-invasive arterial stiffness assessment.
- Vascular stiffness was measured using arterial applanation tonometry.
- Data on tobacco exposure, physical activity (IPAQ), dietary quality (AHEI), and medications were collected.
Main Results:
- Older participants (over 32) exhibited significantly greater arterial stiffness (PWV and AIx) compared to age-based norms.
- Younger participants did not differ from population norms in arterial stiffness.
- In older participants, lower physical activity and poorer diet were associated with increased arterial stiffness, independent of BMI.
Conclusions:
- Vascular disease risk in bipolar disorder may develop over the long-term course of the illness.
- Maladaptive health behaviors appear to contribute significantly to this increased vascular risk.
- These behavioral factors represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
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