Risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with schizophrenia

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. As many as half of these death may be attributed to the unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels. Elevated cholesterol levels could contribute to the increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Association between the coronary artery disease and mental disorder is less studied and documented, but several studies have demonstrated, that mental disorders increases the risk of developing cardiac disease, in particular coronary artery disease. Cholesterol and other lipids level were measured in 40 patients (n=40). Cholesterol and LDL levels in patients with schizophrenia were significantly higher and HDL was significantly decreased. Cholesterol level 180-200 mg/dl were determined in 35%, 200-235 mg/dl in 17,5%, >235 mg/dl 12,5%. HDL->35 mg/dl revealed in 37,5%. LDL 130-159 mg/dl were determined in 10%, >160 mg/dl - 20%. Triglycerides (Tg) from 150 mg/dl to 199 mg/dl were determined in 25%, from 200 mg/dl to 499 mg/dl in 12,5%. According to our study, patients with schizophrenia has some risk factors for cardiovascular heart disease such as, elevated levels of Tg and LDL-c, smoking, lack of exercise, psychosocial factors (depression, social isolation and lack of social support, low socioeconomic status) and so on. We can conclude that all these patients with schizophrenia may belong to the risk group of cardiovascular disease.