[Cardiovascular risk factors in users with severe mental disorder]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Individuals with Severe Mental Disorder (SMD) often experience a higher burden of cardiovascular disease.
• Understanding the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in this population is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk (RCV) among users with Severe Mental Disorder (SMD) receiving care at ParcTaulí mental health services.
• To analyze the specific modifiable risk factors contributing to RCV in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted.
• Data were collected from 789 users with SMD using the Registre Gironí del Cor scale to estimate cardiovascular disease risk.
• Prevalence of modifiable risk factors including hypertension, smoking, hyperglycemia, obesity, overweight, and hypercholesterolemia was assessed.

Main Results:

• A significant prevalence of RCV was observed, with 26.6% of the sample affected (22.5% moderate, 3.8% high, 0.3% very high).
• High rates of modifiable risk factors were identified: 55.2% were smokers, 47.27% had hypercholesterolemia, 40.2% had obesity, and 36.2% were overweight.
• Hypertension (16.5%) and hyperglycemia (19.77%, with 8.2% diagnosed diabetes) were also prevalent.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of cardiovascular risk (RCV) in users with Severe Mental Disorder (SMD) exceeds that of the general population.
• RCV in this group is strongly associated with the presence of multiple modifiable risk factors.
• Nurse-led health education programs are recommended as the most effective strategy for preventing RCV in SMD users.