Bipolar Disorder Linked to Higher Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

METHODOLOGY

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using data from observational studies identified by searching five databases until February 2026.
The 32 studies (23 cohort and nine case-control or cross-sectional) spanned multiple continents and included adults with BD-I, BD-II, or cyclothymic disorder, identified using established diagnostic criteria.
Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for overall CVD, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) comparing individuals with BD with control populations were estimated for overall CVD, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

Pooled prevalence of CVD, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease among individuals with BD was 7.7%, 4.45%, 6.89%, and 3.30%, respectively. After accounting for two potentially missing studies, the estimated prevalence of cerebrovascular disease increased to 5.71%.
Individuals with BD had a higher incidence rate of CVD (IRR, 1.66; P < .0001; five studies; n = 7,941,058), cerebrovascular disease (IRR, 1.67; P = .0061; eight studies; n = 1,196,610), and coronary artery disease (IRR, 1.27; P = .0088; seven studies; n = 1,129,064) than those without BD.
Mean age and proportion of men were identified as significant predictors of a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease. Proportion of men was also significantly linked to a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease.

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