Lifestyles and cardiovascular risk in individuals with functional psychoses

P. Fusar-Poli, F. Cavallin, L. De Marco, A. Bertorello, M. Nicolasi, P. Politi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular risk;lifestyle;prevention;psychosis;schizophrenia
PURPOSE. This study aims to examine known determinants of cardiovascular risk in Italian patients with functional psychoses.

DESIGN AND METHODS. A cross-sectional study design was used to examine cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors of 123 individuals with functional psychosis and compare clinically relevant data with those of the general Italian population.

FINDINGS. A significant proportion of patients manifested frank hypertension (6.9%), hypercholesterolemia (20.5%), diabetes (6.5%), or a body mass index of more than 30 (20.3%). Many also smoked (63.0%) or ingested alcohol every day (26.0%), did not eat fruits or vegetables (8.0%), or did not exercise on a daily basis (34.0%).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Patients with psychosis manifest significant rates of potentially reversible risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Mental health nurses should advocate for and implement well-resourced counseling programs to reduce the prevalence of smoking and metabolic syndrome in mental health populations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-99
Number of pages13
JournalPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE
Volume45
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2009

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lifestyles and cardiovascular risk in individuals with functional psychoses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this