Key result
Smokers with a psychotic disorder exhibited multiple coronary heart disease risk factors, including heavy smoking, moderate obesity, and poor diet, resulting in a high mean CHD risk percentile of 74.3.
Cross-Sectional (n=43)
Yes
Smokers with psychotic disorders exhibit multiple severe risk factors for coronary heart disease, including heavy smoking and obesity, highlighting a critical need for targeted cardiovascular prevention in this population.
May support integrated risk monitoring; leaves open whether interventions reduce events in this population.
Background. People with psychotic disorders are more likely to develop and die from coronary heart disease (CHD) than the general population. Aims. This study aimed to explore the level of CHD risk factors (smoking, diet and physical activity) in smokers with psychosis. The second aim was to examine the reasons for smoking/quitting, and the levels of motivation and confidence to change. Method. Forty-three smokers diagnosed with psychosis were assessed using semi-structured interviews and standardised self-report instruments. Carbon monoxide levels, blood pressure, height, weight and hip/waist measurements were assessed. Blood samples were taken for cholesterol and blood sugar levels. CHD risk percentiles were calculated using the Framingham algorithm. Results. Participants smoked heavily (mean 30.8 cigarettes per day ±12.5). The majority reported smoking due to addiction and for stress management and many contemplated quitting, mainly due to health concerns. Participants were on average moderately obese and had a poor diet. While being physically underactive, the majority wanted to improve their fitness levels. Participants were motivated to quit smoking, improve their diet and increase their physical activity, but had little confidence in their ability to make these changes. The average calculated CHD risk percentile for the sample was 74.3 ± 23.6. Conclusions. This sample of smokers with a psychotic disorder had multiple risk factors for CHD. They were interested and willing to make changes to their health behaviours, but lacked confidence. Shared care between psychiatrists and GP's could effectively manage these serious health issues for people with mental illness.
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Filia et al. (2011) conducted a cross-sectional in Psychotic disorder (n=43). Psychotic disorder and heavy smoking was evaluated on Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk percentile. Smokers with a psychotic disorder exhibited multiple coronary heart disease risk factors, including heavy smoking, moderate obesity, and poor diet, resulting in a high mean CHD risk percentile of 74.3.
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