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Risk factors for coronary heart disease among inpatients who have mild intellectual disability and mental illness

S Merriman1, C Haw, J Kirk

  • 1St. Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, UK.

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|April 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study found high rates of obesity and smoking in inpatients with intellectual disability, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk-reduction strategies for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Cardiology
  • Intellectual Disability Research

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death in the UK.
  • Inpatients with intellectual disability, often with co-occurring mental illness, represent a vulnerable population.
  • Screening for CHD risk factors in this group is crucial for preventative care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in inpatients with mild or borderline intellectual disability.
  • To identify specific risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and abnormal blood pressure within this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
  • Data collection involved interviews, physical measurements, and biological samples.
  • Participants included inpatients with mild or borderline intellectual disability.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of overweight (37.7%) and obesity (34.0%) was observed.
  • A significant proportion (48.8%) had waist circumference measurements indicating substantially increased CHD risk.
  • Current smoking rates were high (52.8%), with lower but notable instances of elevated blood pressure (6.1%) and cholesterol (5.3%).

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a high prevalence of obesity and smoking as key CHD risk factors in this population.
  • There is a clear need for sustained monitoring and long-term interventions to mitigate CHD risk.
  • Targeted public health strategies are essential for this vulnerable group.
Abstract

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