Cardiovascular Disease-Associated Skin Conditions

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death globally.
• Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk (CVR) are associated with various inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin diseases.
• Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa show strong associations with CVD due to shared inflammatory pathways and risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify dermatologic conditions based on their association with CVR.
• To highlight the cardiovascular risk associated with specific dermatologic diseases.
• To increase awareness among cardiologists, dermatologists, and primary care providers regarding CVR in skin conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and classification of dermatologic diseases based on established associations with CVR.
• Analysis of shared inflammatory pathways and prevalence of traditional CVR factors.
• Categorization into traditionally CVR-associated and lesser-associated conditions.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa are strongly linked to CVD.
• Other dermatologic conditions may be indirectly associated with CVR through shared risk factors and chronic inflammation.
• A spectrum of CVR exists across different skin diseases.

Conclusions:

• Prompt implementation of cardiovascular risk factor control is crucial for patients with associated dermatologic diseases.
• Enhanced collaboration between dermatologists and cardiologists can improve patient outcomes.
• Recognizing the CVR associated with skin conditions is vital for comprehensive patient care.