What Is Known About Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Cardiovascular Risk Factors-A Scoping Review

Adults with intellectual disability are known to experience complex health needs, including an elevated presence of chronic conditions. Cardiovascular risk factors are a concern, yet the evidence base is fragmented, and the scope and focus of current research are not well understood.

We conducted a scoping review to map the existing evidence on cardiovascular risk factors among adults with intellectual disability. The review included studies reporting on risk factor prevalence as well as participant characteristics (ethnicity, living arrangements, age, sex, and type of disability). Cardiovascular-related outcomes were extracted to clarify the health disparities documented in this population.

Searches of seven databases for studies published from 2013 onward yielded 15,598records, of which 85 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence was dominated by cross-sectional studies, with a few randomized controlled trials. Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and obesity were commonly reported. Patterns appeared to reflect lifestyle, medication effects, genetic syndromes-particularly Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome-and the severity of the disability. A notable share of the studies originated from the United Kingdom and the United States. Findings reveal a complex cardiovascular risk profile, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention and management.

Adults with intellectual disability face a substantial burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Evidence on effective interventions remains limited, highlighting a need for targeted, evidence-informed approaches to improve cardiovascular health and long-term outcomes.