Associations between common mental disorders, cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle in adults participating in targeted health dialogues in Sweden

To examine associations of common mental disorders (CMDs) with lifestyle habits and cardiovascular risk factors among participants in targeted health dialogues in Sweden. A cross-sectional study included 8903 40- and 50-year-olds between September 20, 2021, and January 10, 2024. CMDs included depressive, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Associations between CMDs and lifestyle habits/cardiovascular risk factors were examined using logistic regression, adjusted for sex, education, marital status, and place of birth. A quarter of the participants had a CMD. Those without a mental diagnosis constituted the controls. Depressive disorders were associated with physical inactivity (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.17, 1.76), obesity (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.16, 1.74), and tobacco use (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.35, 2.10). Anxiety was associated with excessive alcohol use (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06, 1.51), unhealthy diet (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00, 1.33), tobacco use (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.57, 2.14), and higher cardiovascular risk (SCORE2; OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05, 1.64). Stress-related disorders were associated with tobacco use (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.10, 1.64) and elevated LDL-cholesterol (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01, 1.37). Detection of CMDs in middle-aged primary care populations may offer an opportunity for early lifestyle intervention and cardiovascular risk reduction. • Common mental disorders were associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. • Adverse lifestyle behaviours were linked to common mental disorders. • Cardiovascular risk factor profiles differed by psychiatric diagnosis.