Recent research has found that people with autism spectrum disorder may be at an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerotic heart disease. The risk of diabetes was higher in those with autism, with an increased risk of 69% for dyslipidemia and 46% for atherosclerotic heart disease. The risk of hypertension and stroke, however, did not appear to be increased for those on the autism spectrum.
It is unclear why individuals with autism are at an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases, but researchers suggest it may be related to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, as well as lifestyle and behavioral factors that may influence the risk of heart disease. Dr. Carlo Zeidenweber, a pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist at KIDZ Medical Services, noted that food selectivity, physical limitations, sedentary behaviors, and sleep disturbances may be contributing factors and urged parents to take advantage of any and all resources available to them in order to manage the condition.
Overall, the research indicates that individuals with autism spectrum disorder may be at an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. It is important for parents to be aware of this risk and to take advantage of resources available to them to help manage their child's health.