Do you have schizophrenia? Learn how this disease affects your heart health

Schizophrenia It is a mental illness that affects the way people think, feel and behave. The illness can cause hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thoughts and behaviors. When people hallucinate, they see things or hear voices that others cannot see. Delusions, on the other hand, are beliefs that are not true. Mayo Clinic says people with schizophrenia may seem to lose touch with reality, which can make daily life very difficult. People with schizophrenia need lifelong treatment that includes medications, talk therapy and help learning to manage daily living activities.

If schizophrenia is not treated, it can lead to several health complications and can also affect your heart healthSchizophrenia affects heart health, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are several factors that increase this risk.

Antipsychotic medications, which are essential for controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia, can cause weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and lipid abnormalities — all risk factors for heart disease.

In addition, people with schizophrenia are more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity, all of which increase the risk of CVD. Stress and limited access to healthcare can also make it harder to manage chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which are linked to heart health.

All of these factors combined increase the risk of CVD in people with schizophrenia. Therefore, it is important to take care of your heart health if you have schizophrenia.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your heart health if you have schizophrenia.

Regular monitoring of cardiovascular health

People with schizophrenia should have regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels and glucose levels. This allows early detection of cardiovascular problems, giving you the opportunity for early intervention and treatment.

Heart Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help control weight and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Limiting saturated fats, sugars and processed foods is important for maintaining a healthy heart, especially for those taking antipsychotic medications that can increase appetite.

Regular physical activity

Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve cardiovascular health, help with weight control, and also reduce stress. You can try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Physical activity also benefits your mental health, as it helps reduce some symptoms of schizophrenia.

Quit smoking

Smoking is common among people with schizophrenia, which also increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is important for heart health. Additionally, you can seek support through counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or medication, as all of these can help you quit smoking.

Stress management

Schizophrenia can also lead to high levels of stress that negatively affect heart health. You can use techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or therapy as they can help manage stress. Additionally, developing a strong support network and participating in activities can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.