Young adults with mental health disorders in their 20s and 30s are at an increased risk of experiencing cardiovascular disease or strokes.
In the study, which was released on Monday in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, more than 6.5 million people’s health records from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database were examined.
High Rates of Somatic System Disorders
Between 2009 and 2012, a diverse group of individuals aged 20 to 39 underwent thorough health assessments for a new study.
The participants’ well-being was closely tracked until December 2018 to monitor for any newly developed heart attacks or strokes.
Within the study’s sample, a significant 13% of participants were found to have at least one mental health condition. Of this group, nearly half suffered from anxiety, while over 20% experienced depression and another fifth grappled with insomnia.
Additionally, close to 28% of participants exhibited somatic system disorders, while more than 2% struggled with substance use disorders. Fewer than 2% of participants had bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The study’s results were a cause for concern, indicating that young individuals under 40 with a mental disorder were at a staggering 58% higher risk of suffering a heart attack and a 42% greater likelihood of experiencing a stroke compared to those without any disorder.
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Lifestyle Changes Key to Managing Cardiovascular
Dr. Chan Soon Park, the lead author of the study conducted at Seoul National University Hospital, suggests that the high incidence of mental illness in young adults underscores the importance of managing psychological conditions and closely monitoring heart health for those at risk.
Given that mental illness may be a contributing factor to the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, regular check-ups and lifestyle changes could prove essential to prevent and manage these cardiovascular consequences.
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