Cardiovascular risk factors in patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous medical care.

Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease were assessed among individuals with schizophrenia receiving continuous (i.e. 24-h) medical care. Participants tended to have higher levels of risk factors than for the general population. They had similar levels of risk factors as for previous UK studies of patients not receiving continuous care, except they tended to have higher smoking rates and lower physical activity levels, although statistical comparisons were not possible. Among patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous medical care interventions for health behavior change may need to be further prioritized and there is a need to capitalize on the ready availability of social support in these settings.