Cardiovascular Disease and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scales that affects 2-3% of the global population. Beyond its dermatological manifestations, psoriasis has recently been recognised as a significant cardiovascular risk factor, patients with psoriasis have an approximately 50% increased relative risk of major cardiovascular events compared with the general population. This review examines the complex relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, exploring the epidemiological evidence, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications and therapeutic considerations. The inflammatory milieu characteristic of psoriasis, involving T cell activation, cytokine dysregulation and systemic inflammation, creates a pro-atherogenic environment that accelerates cardiovascular disease development. Understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular risk is crucial for clinicians managing psoriatic patients, as it necessitates comprehensive risk assessment and preventive strategies beyond traditional dermatological care.