Potential Cardio-protective Effects of Psoriasis Medications

Psoriasis management can be challenging, complicated sometimes by being associated with other systematic inflammatory diseases including metabolic syndrome, myocardial infarction, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Of particularly concern is its cardiovascular linkage. It is noteworthy and reassuring that some therapeutic options for psoriasis may be cardio-protective. We highlight phototherapy, methotrexate, and TNF alpha inhibitors and other biological agents for psoriasis that may lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Ways to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis should be encouraged. We concur with the conclusion that long-term study is necessary to assess the risks and benefits of biologic therapy, but that persons with preexistent cardiovascular disease or at high risk for it might benefit from medication with cardio-preventive value.