Abstract

Background: Life expectancy in people with severe mental illness is significantly reduced: in part due to increased cardiac risk. Aim: The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and to determine the prevalence of regular screening in these patients. Method: Data was extracted from 48 General Practices in NHS Ayrshire and Arran (n=320,613) in April 2015. Results: There were 3857 patients on anti-psychotic medication (prevalence 1.2%). Female patients and those on first generation medication were older (p<0.001). Monitoring rates ranged from 75% for BP and smoking down to under 50% for lipids. Only 10% of patients monitored were free of a cardiovascular risk factor. Conclusion: Treatment with anti-psychotic medication was associated with clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. Screening varied in relation to age and sex of the patient, the anti-psychotic agent prescribed and cardiovascular risk factor.

Keywords: Anti-psychotic medication; Obesity; Lifestyle; Hyperlipidaemia; Type 2 diabetes