[Cardiovascular disease risks in people with an intellectual disability: causes and interventions]

Cardiovascular disease occurs as frequently in older people with intellectual disabilities as in the same aged general population. However, there are indications for underdiagnosis of myocardial infarction due to atypical or absent complaints. Obesity, diabetes and peripheral arterial disease are more common in this group than in the general population. Hypertension, metabolic syndrome and kidney disease occur as frequently as in the general population while hypercholesterolemia occurs less often. Cardiovascular disease risk factors are underdiagnosed in people with intellectual disabilities. This could be reduced by educating supporting staff and caregivers and systematic screening for cardiovascular risk factors by the general practitioner. The customary guidelines should be followed in the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions and treatment of specific causal factors, such as the use of psychotropic drugs and chronic circadian rhythm disorders, require a specialised approach.