Skip to main content

Schizophrenia Linked to Increased Risk for Subsequent CVD Events

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 1, 2024.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 1, 2024 -- Schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, with the association stronger in women, according to a study published online Feb. 27 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Jin Komuro, M.D., from the University of Tokyo, and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis of 4,124,508 individuals aged 18 to 75 years to assess the relationship of schizophrenia with the risk for developing CVD events. The primary end point was a composite of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary thromboembolism.

The researchers observed 182,158 composite end points during a mean follow up of 1,288 ± 1,001 days. In both men and women, there was a significant relationship of schizophrenia with an increased risk for developing composite CVD events, and a stronger association was seen in women. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratio for the composite end point was 1.63 and 1.42 in women and men, respectively. For angina pectoris, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, this sex-specific difference in the association between schizophrenia and incident CVD was consistent.

"Our results suggest a need for greater support for individuals (particularly women) with schizophrenia," the authors write. "Psychiatrists, cardiologists, and general physicians should share the findings of this study and apply them to CVD prevention, especially in women."

Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Read this next

Electroconvulsive Therapy Safe, Effective for Range of Serious Mental Illnesses

FRIDAY, April 26, 2024 -- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for serious mental illness, according to a study presented at the annual congress of...

Good Heart Health May Protect Against Cognitive Decline in Black Women

WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2024 -- Middle-aged Black women with better heart health are less likely to show a decline in mental function, according to a study published online April 24...

AI May Be Useful in Polypharmacy Management

WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2024 -- ChatGPT shows promise in polypharmacy management and deprescribing medications among the elderly, according to a study published online April 18 in...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.