Misdiagnoses

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder often goes undetected when significant health problems, including heart conditions, are present.
  
  

Lifestyle

• Anne Harding of Reuters Health reports increased risk of terminal heart disease in bipolar individuals is entirely the result of lifestyle factors, including cigarette smoking and lack of exercise.
  
  

Comorbidity

• The National Institute of Mental Health explains heart conditions may trigger manic or depressive symptoms or may be caused by bipolar disorder treatments.
  
  

Antidepressants

• The University of Rochester Medical Center reports selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a type of antidepressant, may halt the progression of heart disease in bipolar individuals, suggesting a connection between emotional distress and heart health.
  
  

Treatment

• The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of coordinated health services between care providers for patients requiring both heart disease and mental health treatments.