Patients with schizophrenia are twice as likely to have coronary heart disease and their overall life expectancy is reduced by approximately 10 years. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study aims to identify at-risk patients by offering a physical health screening to all patients on antipsychotics.

A total of 79 patients have been screened, with the majority of patients were being treated with an oral atypical antipsychotic (88.6%).

Most patients (81%) were found to be overweight (BMI≥25) and 58.2% of patients had a waist circumference above the recommended limit. 40.5% of patients had a blood pressure reading above 130/85.

Cholesterol testing found that 54.9% of patients had a total cholesterol >5.0mmol/l, 58.8% had an LDL of ≥3mmol/l, 44.8% had a triglyceride level ≥1.7mmol/l and 30.6% had a HDL below the recommended limit.

Random blood glucose (RBG) testing identified five patients with a RBG >11.1mmol/l which is indicative of diabetes. A further 17 patients (25%) were in the range 6-11mmol/l and therefore require further tests.

Overall, 38.7% of patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. This is significantly higher than that found in the general population with European studies suggesting the prevalence to be 12-25%.

These findings suggest that a significant number of patients with serious mental illness are at risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be offered lifestyle advice, further tests and appropriate treatment. A follow-up study should address the impact of these interventions.