Psoriasis and cardiovascular disease risk factors: the HUNT Study, Norway

I Snekvik1,2, T I L Nilsen1, P R Romundstad1

  • 1Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Insights

Psoriasis is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk factors, particularly in severe cases. This study highlights associations with obesity and metabolic syndrome in a large population.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Conflicting evidence exists on psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Previous studies often lack objective CVD risk factor measurements in general populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between psoriasis severity and objectively measured CVD risk factors.
  • To investigate the link between psoriasis and cardiovascular morbidity in a large population-based cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the HUNT3 Study in Norway, linking it with national prescription records.
  • Included 50,245 participants, with 2,894 reporting psoriasis (2,643 mild, 251 moderate/severe).
  • Employed linear and logistic regression to analyze associations with CVD risk factors and morbidity.

Main Results:

  • Psoriasis showed positive associations with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
  • Moderate/severe psoriasis significantly increased odds of being overweight (OR 1.94) and having metabolic syndrome (OR 1.91).
  • Psoriasis was also linked to self-reported diabetes, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris.

Conclusions:

  • Psoriasis is positively associated with adiposity and a cluster of CVD risk factors.
  • These associations are most pronounced in individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis.
  • Findings emphasize the importance of considering cardiovascular health in psoriasis management.
Abstract

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