The cardiovascular and respiratory health of people with schizophrenia

Abstract

Key indicators of the cardiovascular and respiratory health of people with SMI are poor compared with those of the general population. Care plans should prioritize interventions to attenuate lifestyle risk factors. Evidence of increasing obesity in younger patients is of particular concern, predicting even greater health needs in the future.

Prevalence of tobacco use in individuals with severe mental illnesses, São Paulo, Brazil

“…Some studies use subjective defi nitions, such as "regular use," while others may simply not state how current cigarette smoking was defi ned. Bearing that in mind, the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the present sample was as high as that found in samples of severely mentally ill people in developed countries, 4,7,8,11,18,20 and higher than that found in two studies in developing countries. 3,19 The prevalence of cigarette smoking found in the present sample was much higher than that seen in the Brazilian general population.…”

“…4,7,8,11,18,20 The former group consumes more cigarettes per day and is less likely to quit smoking than smokers in the general population. 11,20 There is evidence that individuals with schizophrenia have higher mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases and cancer than the general population and the high prevalence and amount of smoking may be one of the reasons for such higher mortality rates.…”

“…11,20 There is evidence that individuals with schizophrenia have higher mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases and cancer than the general population and the high prevalence and amount of smoking may be one of the reasons for such higher mortality rates. 2,4,7,8 Cigarette smoking is also a risk factor for dyskinesia regardless of exposure to antipsychotic medication. 15 Data on prevalence of cigarette smoking among people with severe mental illnesses are scarce in low and middle income countries.…”

An Outcome Measure in Schizophrenia: Mortality

“…Rates of obesity, smoking, angina, and respiratory symptoms are significantly higher than in the general population. 12 In the CATIE study, the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease was significantly elevated in subjects treated for schizophrenia, compared with age-matched control subjects. Schizophrenia patients, compared with control subjects, had significantly higher rates of smoking (68% and 35%, respectively), diabetes (13% and 3%, respectively), and hypertension (27% and 17%, respectively), as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels (43.7 and 49.3 mg/dL, respectively) (P < 0.001).…”

Applying the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan to evaluate policy on addressing co-occurrence of physical and mental illnesses in Australia

“…2 Mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders and bipolar affective disorder, are associated with an increased prevalence of a range of physical illnesses, including CVD, diabetes, respiratory disorders, dental problems and infections. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Higher rates of physical illnesses in people with mental illness are found in psychiatric hospitals in the private sector, 10 publicly provided units and community out-patients, 11,12 as well as in general population studies. [13][14][15] Furthermore, preventable inequalities in life expectancy are getting larger.…”