Psoriasis: is it a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases?

Hesham Nada1, Attef Elakhrass1, Neven Ahmad1

  • 1Dermatology & Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Insights

Psoriasis patients show higher rates of subclinical atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. This indicates an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in individuals with psoriasis.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Cardiology
  • Inflammation

Background:

  • Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory condition.
  • High prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) observed in psoriasis patients.
  • CVDs include atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Assess subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients.
  • Determine increased risk for cardiovascular disorders in psoriatic patients.
  • Evaluate carotid artery intima-media thickness (C-IMT) as a predictor.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 40 adult psoriatic patients and 40 healthy controls.
  • Assessed psoriasis severity using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.
  • Measured serum lipid profiles and C-IMT.

Main Results:

  • Psoriatic patients had significantly higher serum lipid profiles and C-IMT.
  • Positive correlation found between C-IMT and patient age (r=0.760, p<.001).
  • Significant correlation between C-IMT and psoriasis severity (PASI score).

Conclusions:

  • Psoriatic patients exhibit increased susceptibility to CVDs.
  • Elevated incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia in psoriasis patients.
  • C-IMT and lipid profiles are key indicators of CVD risk in psoriasis.
Abstract

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