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Every year, around 49,000 people in the UK under the age of 75 die from heart and circulatory diseases, according to figures from the British Heart Foundation (BHF). New research has now highlighted just how strongly mental health problems can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The findings, published in The Lancet, brought together experts to evaluate current knowledge on health inequalities in people with mental health conditions. The review looked at disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The results were particularly alarming for people with major depression, who face a 72% higher risk of developing CVD. Individuals with bipolar disorder or panic disorder also face greater risks—61% and 50%, respectively. Those with phobia-related anxiety have a 70% higher risk, while people with schizophrenia are at the greatest danger, with their risk described as nearly double that of the general population. Even PTSD, the lowest on the scale, was linked to a 57% increased risk.
Professor Viola Vaccarino of Emory University in the US emphasized the need for changes in healthcare delivery, pointing out that over 40% of people with cardiovascular disease also have a mental health condition. She argued that integrated, multidisciplinary care involving doctors, nurses, and social workers would provide better support for patients with both physical and psychological health problems.
The review builds on evidence showing that mental health disorders can disrupt the body’s stress-response system—the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—which influences immune function and metabolism. When dysregulated, this system can lead to long-term issues such as high blood pressure and inflammation, both known risk factors for CVD.
Although the researchers acknowledged that more studies are needed, they concluded that a holistic, integrated approach is essential to meet the complex needs of this vulnerable group.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The NHS notes it is commonly caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots. It remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK, though healthy lifestyle changes can often reduce the risk.
Risk factors for CVD include:
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High blood pressure
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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Diabetes
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Kidney disease
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Physical inactivity
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Being overweight or obese
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Family history of CVD
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South Asian, Black African, or African Caribbean heritage
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Excessive alcohol use
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Poor diet
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Poor mental health
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