The Heart of Psoriasis: Cardiovascular Alterations and Common Inflammatory Mechanisms

This mini-review aims to investigate the shared pathophysiological mechanisms linking psoriasis to cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a particular emphasis on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic alterations in individuals affected by psoriasis.

A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between January 1980 and June 2025. The search included clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and meta-analyses.

The pathogenesis of psoriasis shares several key features with CVD, particularly systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Psoriasis patients frequently exhibit electrocardiographic abnormalities, such as arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), and structural cardiac changes, such as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These cardiovascular changes are often observed even in the absence of clinically manifest heart disease.

Psoriasis significantly contributes to cardiovascular risk, even in patients without manifest CVD. Chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances are key factors contributing to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in these individuals. Furthermore, the presence of psoriatic arthritis may exacerbate these associations, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the disease.

Early detection and management of cardiovascular alterations in patients with psoriasis are essential for mitigating their long-term cardiovascular burden. Targeting shared inflammatory pathways may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to improve both dermatological and cardiovascular health in this patient population.