Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Suffering From Schizophrenia

Little is known about severe progression of premature coronary arteriosclerosis in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Coronary artery calcium score is a well-defined measure to predict cardiovascular disease events, however there has not yet been any attempt to investigate whether there is an association between coronary artery calcium score and premature morbidity and mortality in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The objective of this study is to investigate the progression of arteriosclerosis in patients with schizophrenia at different stages of the disease, and to offer and implement adequate treatment for these patients according to their somatic condition. This study will identify risk factors of somatic diseases in these patients, with specific focus on early diagnoses, prevention, intervention and treatment of arteriosclerosis in schizophrenic patients. The investigation is about the possibility of detecting any differences between developing arteriosclerosis in schizophrenia patients versus the general population, and how common risk factors are contributing to this process. The results of this study should provide important modifications in the clinical guidelines for treatment of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.