Objectives

To estimate the risk of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with bipolar I disorder compared to people without bipolar I disorder.

Method

Utilizing a records-linkage system spanning 30 years (1966-1996), a population-based cohort of 334 subjects with bipolar I disorder and 334 age and sex-matched referents from Olmsted County, Minnesota, U.S. was identified. Longitudinal follow-up continued until incident MI or stroke (confirmed by board-certified cardiologist/neurologist), death, or study end date (December 31, 2013). Cox proportional hazards models assessed the hazard ratio (HR) for MI or stroke, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

There was an increased risk of fatal or non-fatal MI or stroke (as a composite outcome) in patients with bipolar I disorder [HR 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 2.33; p=0.04]. However, after adjusting for baseline cardiovascular risk factors (alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking), the risk was no longer significantly increased (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.76, 1.86; p=0.46).

Limitations

Small sample size for the study design. Findings were not retained after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Psychotropic medication use during the follow-up was not ascertained and was not included in the analyses.

Conclusion

This study in a geographically defined region in the U.S. demonstrated a significant increased risk of MI or stroke in bipolar I disorder, which was no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors.