Key result
Schizophrenia was associated with a lower prevalence of specialized cardiovascular examinations (PR 0.78; 95% CI 0.73-0.85) and invasive treatments (PR 0.58; 95% CI 0.49-0.70) before CV death.
Why the study?
It was unknown whether severe mental illnesses affect diagnostic testing and treatment for cardiovascular diseases in primary and specialized health care.
Does severe mental illness affect the uptake of diagnostic tests and invasive treatments prior to cardiovascular death?
Population
72 385 individuals who died from cardiovascular disease (1487 with severe mental illnesses)
Comparison
Severe mental illnesses (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) vs without severe mental illnesses
Design
Nationwide study
Authors
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Signals care disparities for severe mental illness; leaves open whether targeted interventions improve equity.
Observational (n=72,385)
Yes
Does severe mental illness affect the uptake of diagnostic tests and invasive treatments prior to cardiovascular death?
Relative Risk: 0.78 (95% CI 0.73–0.85)
Patients with severe mental illness receive fewer specialized cardiovascular examinations and invasive treatments prior to cardiovascular death, highlighting a disparity in care.
Heiberg et al. (2020) conducted an observational in Cardiovascular disease and severe mental illness (n=72,385). Severe mental illness (schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) vs. No severe mental illness was evaluated on Specialized cardiovascular examinations (PR 0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.85). Schizophrenia was associated with a lower prevalence of specialized cardiovascular examinations (PR 0.78; 95% CI 0.73-0.85) and invasive treatments (PR 0.58; 95% CI 0.49-0.70) before CV death.
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