Ischemic cardiovascular involvement in psoriasis: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Psoriasis is linked to reduced life expectancy, primarily due to cardiovascular events.
• Psoriatic patients exhibit increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular risk factors for atherosclerosis.
• Chronic systemic inflammation in psoriasis likely contributes independently to elevated cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ischemic cardiovascular involvement in psoriasis.
• To summarize cardiovascular risk factors, events, atherosclerosis mechanisms, and anti-inflammatory therapy effects in psoriatic patients.
• To identify gaps in current research regarding cardiovascular risk management in psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Quality assessment of drug treatment studies using the Detsky score.
• Literature evaluation of prevalence, incidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic effects.

Main Results:

• Psoriatic patients have a significantly increased cardiovascular risk.
• This elevated risk is associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and systemic inflammation.
• Preliminary evidence suggests anti-inflammatory therapies may improve vascular health and reduce cardiovascular morbidity.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, driven by chronic inflammation.
• Current literature lacks studies defining optimal cardiovascular risk factor targets and assessing the clinical value of screening and disease-modifying therapies in psoriatic patients.
• Increased awareness of cardiovascular risk in psoriasis should stimulate further research to address these knowledge gaps.