A Danish study has found that people with schizophrenia are at more than four times greater risk of experiencing sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to the general population. The research, published in Heart, also indicates that individuals with other mental health disorders, such as depression, face twice the risk, regardless of age. The study highlights the significant cardiovascular dangers faced by psychiatric patients, particularly younger individuals, as mental illness is associated with a substantially reduced life expectancy.
The researchers analyzed deaths in Denmark from 2010, focusing on sudden cardiac deaths among people aged 18 to 90. SCD refers to unexpected heart-related deaths in those without known heart disease. Among the 45,703 deaths recorded, 6,002 were identified as sudden cardiac deaths. The data revealed that people with mental health disorders, especially those with schizophrenia, were at far higher risk of SCD. Adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and coexisting conditions, the study found that people with depression faced double the risk of SCD, those with bipolar disorder had three times the risk, and those with schizophrenia had 4.5 times the risk.
Mental health disorders were also linked to overall shorter lifespans. An 18-year-old with a psychiatric disorder could expect to live around 10 fewer years compared to a peer without a mental health issue. Even after considering lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy habits or medication side effects, the link between mental health conditions and SCD remained strong, suggesting that the mechanisms behind this heightened risk are complex.
The researchers call for heightened awareness of SCD risk in mentally ill populations and suggest that emerging technologies, such as AI and wearable devices, could play a role in identifying at-risk individuals and preventing sudden deaths.
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