Rannsókn á áhættuþáttum hjarta- og æðasjúkdóma hjá geðklofasjúklingum á geðsviði Landspítala

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that schizophrenic patients die on average 15-20 years earlier than the normal population, and that increased prevalance of cardiovascular risk factors plays a crucial role Schizophrenic patients are underdiagnosed and undertreated when it comes to diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia among schizophrenic patients in Iceland. METHODS An observational study of 106 schizophrenic patients in Iceland during the period 2007-2009. The results were compared to age adjusted population based data. RESULTS 106 patients participated, 86 men and 20 women. In all 57% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (p 30 kg/m²). Only 32.1% had normal BMI, and 82.1% had waist circumference over the normal limits. CONCLUSION The physical condition of Icelandic schizophrenic patients is poor and their risk for cardiovascular diseases is high. It is necessary to follow their weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipids more closely It is imperative to educate and enable the schizophrenic patient to live a healthier life.