London University finds link between mental illness and heart disease

People with severe mental illness were up to 78% more likely to suffer from damaged hearts and arteries than healthy individuals.

A large study conducted at King's College London has found that having a serious mental illness (SMI) significantly increases the risk of premature death from heart disease.

Researchers who analysed data on more than three-million patients found significant links between cardiovascular disease and conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression.

People with severe mental illness (SMI) were up to 78% more likely to suffer from damaged hearts and arteries than healthy individuals.Whilst the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease was 85% higher in people with SMIs.