Cardiovascular disease in older people with serious mental illness: Current challenges and future directions

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and SMIPhysical ill health is the most significant factor in the widening mortality gap between SMI and the general population (1). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide (8), and the major cause of death in SMI (9), and CVD increases with age (10). The relationship is bidirectional, and those with CVD are also at higher risk of adverse mental health (9). Much of this risk is modifiable through better provision and access to physical healthcare (11). A large meta-analysis of observational studies found higher rates of all CVD sub-types amongst those with SMI, but contemporary data in the UK is lacking (12), the last studies being conducted over a decade ago (13, 14). The average age of participants with SMI was ∼50 years in these studies (12-14), and few studies specifically investigate older populations.

Life’s Essential 8

“…Therefore, to improve CVH, a comprehensive and holistic approach addressing social determinants is necessary. 205 Further studies exploring the impact of social determinants of health and potential intervention specifically in older adults are needed.…”