Participation in screening for cardiovascular risk by people with schizophrenia or similar mental illnesses: cross sectional study in general practice

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Abstract
We invited patients from seven inner London general practices to a cardiovascular risk assessment at their practice. One group comprised all patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or other chronic psychosis (excluding primary mood disorders) on their computer record.4 We used a computer to randomly choose a comparison group twice the size without these diagnoses. General practitioners wrote offering an appointment (including a blood test) with a researcher and explaining the 10 year cardiovascular risk score (calculated from age, sex, smoking status, diabetic status, blood pressure, and cholesterol concentrations). Participants would receive all results and interpretations. We did not invite people under 30, over 75, or with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease, as risk scores do not apply.