Recommendations for cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment in spondyloarthritis and psoriatic disease

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Psoriatic disease (PD) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are linked to higher risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
• Chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic changes drive this increased cardiovascular risk.
• Traditional cardiovascular risk assessment tools often underestimate the actual risk in patients with PD and SpA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize evidence on the association between PD, SpA, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• To evaluate strategies for enhancing the clinical identification and management of CVD risk in these patient populations.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review methodology was employed.
• Included were observational studies, clinical trials, prior reviews, and expert opinions from a multidisciplinary panel.

Main Results:

• Patients with PD and SpA exhibit an elevated incidence of acute myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease.
• Persistent inflammation and metabolic disturbances significantly contribute to the underestimated cardiovascular risk.
• Current risk assessment tools are insufficient for accurately evaluating CVD risk in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• More precise and personalized cardiovascular risk assessment is necessary for patients with PD and SpA.
• Implementing targeted anti-inflammatory therapies and early risk identification strategies can improve clinical outcomes.
• These interventions have the potential to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in individuals with PD and SpA.