Patients with new-onset schizophreniamay have elevated cardiovascular risk factors

Patients with new-onset schizophreniamay have elevated cardiovascular risk factors
According to the results of a 394-patient study published online Oct. 8 in JAMA Psychiatry and supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, people “having a first schizophrenia spectrum episode were significantly more likely to show a host of cardiovascular and endocrinologic risk factors than the general population of similar age.” Researchers found that “among relatively young patients enrolled in a prospective study of schizophrenia spectrum disorders – mean age 24 – half were overweight or obese, nearly 60% had abnormal lipid levels, half had above-normal blood pressure or overt hypertension, and 13% met criteria for metabolic syndrome.” Even though “some of these factors were likely related to antipsychotic medications patients had taken, the researchers concluded that the illness itself and associated ‘unhealthy lifestyles’ also played major roles.”