Psychological Disorders and Vascular Ageing: Is There a Link?

Psychological disorders are highly prevalent in the general population and are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Vascular aging is associated with changes in the mechanical and structural properties of the vascular wall, leading to the loss of arterial elasticity and reduced arterial compliance. Arterial stiffness (AS) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population and in high-risk patients, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. A comprehensive understanding of the association between mental health disorders and AS is critical to refine prevention and treatment strategies. The present review article aims to summarize studies examining the association between psychological factors and AS. Most relevant studies have focused on the association of anxiety and depression with AS, with fewer studies analyzing the impact of other, less common mental health disorders on AS. Although not all of them align, most studies point towards a significant link between psychological disorders and AS. While the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still not fully understood, the clinical implications of the observed association might pave the way for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic policies for patients with mental health disorders.