Mental Disorders as Risk Factors for New Onset Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a vast and widespread problem around the world, responsible for around one third of global deaths, of which 85% were due to heart attack and stroke in 2022. There are a lot of well-established risk factors for CVDs, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, poor diet, alcohol use, and sedentary lifestyle. Psychiatric disorders, however, are not among those frequently cited. Over a billion people worldwide suffer from some kind of mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being among the leading causes of long-term disability. All-cause death is significantly elevated in individuals with all mental health disorders. Methods: This narrative review aims to provide details on the selected psychiatric disorders and their pharmacotherapy with regard to the risk of developing cardiac illness by reviewing the available literature and the 2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on mental health and cardiovascular disease. Results: Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular complications in the psychiatric disease population is an essential component in clinical healthcare. Conclusions: Taking all into account, it is essential to underline the role of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and chronic inflammation, ultimately leading to metabolic syndrome in individuals with mental disorders, as well as an increase in residual cardiovascular risk and the development of CVDs, thereby worsening their long-term prognosis. In view of risky lifestyle behaviors in this population, it is essential to screen proactively, mitigate risk factors, consider the role of pharmacotherapy, and, if needed, initiate appropriate treatment.