Monday, October 20, 2008

Certain Antipsychotic Medications May Increase Risk for Heart Disease

Certain atypical antipsychotic medications may raise the risk for heart disease in people with schizophrenia, according to an analysis of data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) study published in the October 2008 issue of Schizophrenia Research.

Heart disease is prevalent among people with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia also have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol. Although factors such as smoking and lack of access to quality medical care may be 2 reasons for higher heart disease rates, atypical antipsychotics are known to be associated with cardiovascular side effects as well.

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