20 Jan 2026 • New pooled evidence from more than 22 million participants showed that several common mental disorders were tied to a significantly elevated risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Depression was associated with a 40% higher risk (HR 1.40), anxiety disorders with a 63% increase (HR 1.63), and sleep disorders with a 60% rise in risk (HR 1.60). Posttraumatic stress disorder showed the strongest association, more than doubling ACS risk (HR 2.73). No significant link was seen for bipolar or psychotic disorders.

The findings position conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and disordered sleep as important nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, reinforcing the need to incorporate mental health and sleep assessment into routine cardiovascular risk stratification and prevention.

Source: JAMA Network | Read full story