CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR LEVELS IN ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Cardiovascular risk factors in a population of adults with mental reta rdation were examined. The subjects resided in three types of settings (16+ bed facility, group home, and natural family) and were measured on the following parameters: blood lipids, obesity, and smoking. The d ata were compared to a nonretarded population and to the guidelines es tablished by the National Cholesterol Education Program. Results indic ated that adults with mental retardation had cardiovascular risk profi les similar to those of individuals without mental retardation in the Framingham Offspring Study and that to the extent that cardiovascular health is a concern to the general population, it must also be a conce rn for individuals with mental retardation.