Why Young Adults with Mental Illness Are at Higher Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals that young adults aged 20-39 with mental illness are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.

The study analyzed health information from over 6.5 million people in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. It found that individuals below the age of 40 who had a mental health condition were 58 percent more likely to have a heart attack and 42 percent more likely to have a stroke than those without any mental disorder.

The findings suggest that there is a correlation between mental health and physical health, and the link is evident at a young age.

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Impact of Lifestyle on the Relationship

The study's results do not indicate a direct causal relationship between mental illness and heart attacks or strokes. (Karolina Grabowska/ Pexels)

Dr. Katherine Ehrlich, an associate professor of behavioral and brain sciences at the University of Georgia, believes that understanding the diets and physical activity levels of the participants in the study would be beneficial to determine whether these factors contribute to the link between mental health conditions and heart attack and stroke.

She notes that individuals with chronic depression may find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet and engage in sufficient physical activity, increasing their risk of developing heart problems over time.

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Controlled Factors in the Study

The study controlled for various factors such as age, sex, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, and income, indicating that lifestyle differences alone could not be the reason for the increased risk.

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Role of Lifestyle Changes

Despite this, study author Dr. Eue-Keun Choi, a professor of internal medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine in South Korea, emphasizes that lifestyle changes can improve prognosis and should be recommended to young adults with mental disorders to enhance their heart health.

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Need for Coping with Mental Illness and Heart Health Monitoring

The study found that one in eight people aged 20-39 involved in the study had some form of mental illness, indicating a significant number of people predisposed to heart attack and stroke. This highlights the need for managing psychological conditions and monitoring heart health in those at risk.

Dr. Ehrlich also emphasizes that reducing the number of people with chronic mental illness may lead to secondary benefits in the future in terms of the number of people managing cardiac-related conditions.

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Importance of Prevention and Checkups

The findings of the study do not suggest that mental illness directly causes heart attacks or strokes, but it does highlight the associated risks.

It is important to take preventive measures to minimize such risks, such as maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity. Regular checkups are also crucial for people with mental health conditions. This may help in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases.

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Physical and mental health

Physical and mental health are interrelated and can significantly impact one another. Poor physical health, such as chronic pain or illness, can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Likewise, untreated mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can cause physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.

Taking care of both physical and mental health is important for overall well-being. This can include engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and seeking professional help when needed for mental health concerns.

It is also essential to address any underlying physical health issues when treating mental health conditions and vice versa. A holistic approach that considers both physical and mental health can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

The research revealed that approximately 12% of individuals between the ages of 20 and 39 who participated in the study exhibited symptoms of a mental disorder. (Louis Bauer/ Pexels)

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Physical and mental health are interrelated and can significantly impact one another. The study's findings suggest that young adults with mental illnesses are at greater risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.

Lifestyle changes, psychological management, and heart health monitoring can improve prognosis and reduce the number of people managing cardiac-related conditions. The study's results also highlight the importance of addressing loneliness and improving social connectedness among young people.

By taking preventive measures, individuals can minimize their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and lead healthier lives.