Psychiatric Disorders Significantly Increase Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death, reveals research
Researchers have found that patients with psychiatric disorders have a significantly increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in all age groups compared to the general population. A recent study was conducted by Jasmin M. and colleagues published in the journal Heart.
Individuals with psychiatric conditions have been known to be at a greater risk of allcause mortality than the background population. Previous studies have shown young psychiatric patients might have a fourfold risk of SCD. The purpose of the study was to provide a detailed description of the incidence of SCD cases in Danish patients aged 18 to 90 years by analyzing all deaths for one year.
The study analyzed all deaths among Danish residents aged 18–90 in 2010, corresponding to a population of 4.3 million. Death certificates and autopsy reports were reviewed to classify deaths as SCD or non-SCD. Psychiatric disorders were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) criteria, or by prescription records for psychotropic medications redeemed within the preceding year. The analysis adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities to evaluate independent associations.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
Mortality and SCD Prevalence:
Total deaths were 45,703, of which 6,002 (13%) were SCD.
Patients with psychiatric disorders had 1.79–6.45 times higher SCD rates than the general population, with varying age dependencies (p < 0.001).
Independent Association With Psychiatric Disorders
Hazard ratio (HR) for SCD among patients with psychiatric disorders: 2.31 (2.19–2.43, p < 0.001).
Patients with schizophrenia had the highest risk, with an HR of 4.51 (3.95–5.16, p < 0.001).
Impact on Younger Patients:
For an 18-year-old with a psychiatric disorder, the expected decline in life expectancy was 10 years.
Among those 18 to 40 years old, 13% of excess lost life years were attributed to SCD.
This study demonstrated that psychiatric disorders significantly increase the risk of SCD across all age groups. The highest rates were observed in patients with schizophrenia, with young psychiatric patients suffering huge life expectancy reductions. Findings underline the critical need for proactive cardiovascular risk management in individuals with psychiatric conditions to reduce the disproportionate mortality burden.
Reference:
Mujkanovic, J., Warming, P. E., Kessing, L. V., Køber, L. V., Winkel, B. G., Lynge, T. H., & Tfelt-Hansen, J. (2024). Nationwide burden of sudden cardiac death among patients with a psychiatric disorder. Heart (British Cardiac Society), 110(23), 1365–1371. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2024-324092
