Cardiometabolic risk assessment in patients with schizophrenia

Cardiometabolic risk assessment in patients with schizophrenia SUMMARY The mortality due to cardiovascular (CV) disease is doubled in patients with schizophrenia compared to general population and they have a higher prevalence of modifiable CV risk factors. The causes of increased CV burden in schizophrenia include unhealthy life style and high prevalence of smoking. Schizophrenia itself is associated with changes in catecholamines, hormones and pro-inflammatory mediators with potential impact on cardiovascular system and its function. Antipsychotics can have a negative impact on various metabolic parameters and further increase CV risk in treated individuals. Both the diagnostics and treatment of CV health problems is insufficient in patients with schizophrenia. Regular monitoring of CV risk factors is recommended in clinical guidelines. However, based on studies in general population the traditional CV risk factors fail in prediction of coronary heart disease or other serious CV events in 25 to 50%. Endothelial function measurement seems to be a more sensitive tool to assess the risk of CV disease. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) represents a preclinical stage of atherosclerosis. In general population ED correlated with traditional CV risk factors and was superior to them in predicting future CV events. In..