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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Psoriasis: an opportunity to identify cardiovascular risk
D G Federman1, M Shelling, S Prodanovich
1Department of Medicine, VA Connecticut Health Care Center (11ACSL), 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT 06516, USA. daniel.federman@va.gov
Insights
Psoriasis patients face higher risks of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and mortality. Early evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors are crucial for managing psoriasis patients
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition linked to systemic comorbidities.
- Patients with psoriasis exhibit a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.
- Severe psoriasis is associated with increased risks of myocardial infarction and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and inflammation.
- To highlight treatable cardiovascular risk factors in psoriasis patients.
- To emphasize the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and management in psoriasis care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical studies.
- Synthesis of current understanding of shared pathophysiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Psoriasis is significantly associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors.
- Inflammation plays a key role in the link between psoriasis and atherosclerosis.
- Treatable risk factors can potentially mitigate cardiovascular risk in psoriasis.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologists must be aware of the cardiovascular risks in psoriasis patients.
- Comprehensive evaluation and management of cardiovascular risk factors are essential.
- Addressing cardiovascular health can improve outcomes for individuals with psoriasis.
Abstract:
Psoriasis is highly prevalent and is associated with skin-associated complaints as well as arthritis, depression and a lower quality of life. Recently, it has been demonstrated that not only do patients with psoriasis have an increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, but an increased risk of myocardial infarction, and for those with severe disease, increased mortality. Dermatologists and other health professionals need to be cognizant of this association and ensure that cardiovascular risk factors are evaluated and treated appropriately in those patients with psoriasis. We review the association between psoriasis, atherosclerosis and inflammation, as well as some treatable cardiovascular risk factors that may prove beneficial in reducing a patient's cardiovascular risk.
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