Cardiovascular disease in psoriatic post-menopausal women

It is generally accepted that the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women is significantly increased after the menopause. Hormonal changes associated with the menopausal transition may also alter the course of autoimmune diseases. It has been reported that menopause may exacerbate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and giant cell arteritis, but attenuate the course of systemic lupus erythemathosus. There is a growing body of literature indicating that the course of psoriasis may be altered by menopausal hormone changes. Considering the fact that both psoriasis and menopause are independent risk factors for CVD, and that menopause may exacerbate the course of psoriasis, a possible additive effect between these two conditions may be crucial for proper monitoring and treatment of peri- and post-menopausal psoriatic patients.

The aim of this study is to analyse potential relationship between psoriasis, menopausal status and risk of CVD.

A retrospective analysis of the Clalit Health Services database was performed in an attempt to provide new data and the available literature concerning these issues was reviewed. Data on cardiovascular events in 10 872 female psoriatic patients and 19 471 controls were extracted and compared.

In both psoriatic and control patients the association of CVD increased with age. The association of CVD was significantly greater in psoriatic patients, but no significant differences were found between any of age groups.

The association of psoriasis and CVD in women increases with age but there is insufficient evidence to confirm that menopause increases the risk of psoriasis. Further studies directly addressing this issue are needed.