Atherosclerosis in psoriatic disease: latest evidence and clinical implications

It is widely accepted that atherosclerosis is caused by chronic low-grade inflammation that results from an interaction between immune mechanisms and metabolic abnormalities within the vessel wall. Population-based studies have found an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This risk is higher in patients with severe disease phenotypes, such as those with severe psoriasis and with musculoskeletal inflammation. Higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers also predict the development of clinical cardiovascular events in these patients. The effect of medications used for PsA on cardiovascular risk is limited to observational studies. Antitumor necrosis factor agents and methotrexate have been associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. These data highlight the importance of screening for cardiovascular risk factors in these patients.