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[Risk of cardiovascular mortality of hospitalized psychiatric patients]

H Schwalb1, P Dirschedl

  • 1Institut f. Med. Informationsverarbeitung, Statistik u. Biomathematik, München.

Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
|March 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Pathological ECG significantly increases cardiovascular mortality risk in psychiatric patients. Age, male sex, hypertension, and high cholesterol also elevate risk, independent of psychiatric condition or medication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Long-term study of 783 psychiatric patients (40-70 years old) hospitalized for extended periods.
  • Focus on cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors within this population.

Purpose:

  • To assess cardiovascular mortality risk over 10 years.
  • To identify predictors of cardiovascular mortality in psychiatric patients using a multiple logistic model with 14 parameters.

Summary:

  • Pathological electrocardiogram (ECG) was the strongest predictor, indicating a sevenfold increased risk.
  • Male sex (2.5x risk), hypertension, and elevated serum cholesterol (nearly double risk) were significant factors.
  • No correlation found between cardiovascular mortality and the type of psychiatric illness or psychopharmacotherapy.

Impact:

  • Highlights the critical role of ECG abnormalities in predicting cardiovascular mortality in psychiatric patients.
  • Identifies key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors (hypertension, cholesterol, age, sex) for targeted interventions.
  • Informs clinical practice regarding cardiovascular risk assessment and management in long-term psychiatric care.

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