Myocardial infarction risk and antipsychotics use revisited: a meta-analysis of 10 observational studies

Associations between antipsychotic agent (AP) use and myocardial infarction (MI) risk have been inconsistent and remain controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to address this knowledge gap.

Detailed electronic database searches were performed to identify reports of observational studies that evaluated the association between AP use and the risk of MI. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random or fixed-effects models.

In total, four case-control studies, two case-crossover studies, one case-case time control study, three cohort studies, and one self-controlled case series were included. The pooled OR (95% confidence interval (CI)) between any AP use and MI risk was 1.55 (1.33-1.79) compared with non-use: 1.39 (1.06-1.82) for atypical AP use and 1.57 (1.29-1.91) for typical AP use. Subgroup analyses indicated that male gender, schizophrenia diagnosis, and AP exposure periods ≤60 days were associated with higher risk of MI.

Current evidence, based on 10 observational studies, suggested that AP use might be a potential risk factor of MI. However, we cannot conclude at this time due to significant heterogeneity among studies. We suggest that, instead of not using APs in fear of MI risk, careful cardiovascular monitoring before and during AP treatment in high-risk patients is needed. Additional high-quality prospective studies are required to evaluate the association between APs and the risk of MI.