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Published on: July 11, 2013
Psoriasis a Cause of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review Article
1Medicine and Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND.
Insights
Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes and managing risk factors are crucial for patients with psoriasis to protect their cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- Associated conditions include atherosclerosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and psoriatic arthritis.
- Psoriasis shares risk factors with CVD, such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms linking psoriasis pathophysiology to CVD.
- To discuss risk factors, management strategies, and research gaps regarding systemic psoriasis treatments and cardiovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on psoriasis and cardiovascular comorbidities.
- Analysis of shared risk factors and pathophysiological links.
- Discussion of diagnostic tools like International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes and risk prediction methods (e.g., Figure Rating Scales).
Main Results:
- Psoriasis is strongly associated with an elevated risk of vascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
- Shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, such as arterial fat and cholesterol buildup, underscore the psoriasis-CVD link.
- Individuals with psoriasis, especially those with comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes mellitus type-2, face a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
Conclusions:
- Psoriasis is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Managing lifestyle factors like smoking cessation and exercise is vital for cardiovascular risk reduction in psoriasis patients.
- Further research is needed on the cardiovascular effects of systemic psoriasis treatments.
Abstract:
Psoriasis is a severe, chronic inflammatory disease characterized by erythematous plaques across the extensor surfaces of the skin. Psoriasis has been linked to a higher threat of vascular events like myocardial infarction and stroke. Other associated cardiovascular disorders in the case of psoriasis include building up atherosclerosis, non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and psoriatic arthritis. Individuals can use International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes to identify cardiovascular disease/comorbidities and related risk factors. The relation between pathophysiology and mechanism of psoriasis and the building up of fat and cholesterol in or on the arterial walls makes the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases more obvious. There is very little research on the adverse effect of systemic treatment of psoriasis on cardiovascular events. Treatment of psoriasis includes mainly biologics and systemic therapy, including methotrexate as a first-line drug. An indirect relation between psoriasis-arthritis and cardiovascular diseases is being noted. Various risk factors contribute to psoriasis and are associated with cardiovascular disease, including smoking, hypertension, and obesity. Personal management to decrease the threat to the cardiovascular system in case of psoriasis can be achieved by changing lifestyle, which includes exercising and avoiding smoking. The criteria for identifying metabolic syndrome are discussed in this review article. Figure Rating Scales (FRS) were used for studying the risk prediction of various cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes mellitus type-2 are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular events and multiple chronic conditions in the case of psoriasis; hence they are part of the population at risk.
