New evidence showed that mental health outcomes were significantly worse in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and elevated 10‑year ASCVD risk scores, linking heart disease risk with psychological distress in a large Iranian cohort.
Researchers analysed health data from 1,154 adults aged 25–70 enrolled in the Shiraz Heart Study between 2016–2019, estimating each participant’s 10‑year ASCVD risk using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pooled cohort equations and concurrently assessing mental health status with a validated 28‑item general health questionnaire.
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Mental Health Associations
The study demonstrated that participants with diagnosed ASCVD had significantly higher odds of poor mental health outcomes. Those with ASCVD were more likely to experience somatic symptoms (OR 1.138; 95% CI 1.069–1.212), anxiety and insomnia (OR 1.113; 95% CI 1.043–1.188), and severe depression (OR 1.173; 95% CI 1.084–1.269). Overall general health scores were also higher in this group (OR 1.053; 95% CI 1.027–1.079), indicating greater psychological distress.
Among participants without ASCVD, a 10‑year ASCVD risk score of 5 % or higher was associated with similar mental health risks. These individuals had higher odds of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. Total general health scores were also elevated, suggesting that increased cardiovascular risk alone can contribute to poorer psychological wellbeing.
Why This Matters
Cardiovascular disease has long been recognised as a leading cause of death globally, and emerging research points to a bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular risk and mental health. For instance, people hospitalised for cardiovascular events were found to be substantially more likely to develop anxiety and depression within the year following their hospital stay.
Poor mental health has also been shown to predict future cardiovascular disease incidence in large cohort studies, emphasising how closely intertwined psychological wellbeing and heart health are.
Experts now call for integrated care approaches that screen for mental health conditions in people with high cardiovascular risk and vice versa, to improve patient outcomes across both dimensions.
Reference
Zibaeenezhad MJ et al. The effects of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and ten‑year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score on mental health status. Sci Rep. 2026; DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-35737-6.
