title: Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There has been considerable interest in the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease associated with serious mental illness. Although the contemporary literature has paid much attention to major depression and schizophrenia, focus on the risk of cardiovascular mortality for patients with bipolar disorder has been more limited, despite some interest in the historical literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the historical and contemporary literature related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In studies that specifically assess cardiovascular mortality, bipolar disorder has been associated with a near doubling of risk when compared with general population estimates. This may be explained by the elevated burden of cardiovascular risk factors found in this population. These findings predate modern treatments for bipolar disorder, which may further influence cardiovascular risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the substantial risk of cardiovascular disease, rigorous assessment of cardiovascular risk is warranted for patients with bipolar disorder. Modifiable risk factors should be treated when identified. Further research is warranted to study mechanisms by which this elevated risk for cardiovascular disease are mediated and to identify systems for effective delivery of integrated medical and psychiatric care for individuals with bipolar disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 , USA.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.forename: Lois
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: Jess G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Fiedorowicz
mesh_terms: D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002423:Cause of Death; D015897:Comorbidity; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs