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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
02:28
Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Cardiac structure and function in psoriasis: A cross-sectional analysis of the PSOCADIA study
Maria Dons1,2, Morten Sengeløv1,2, Kristoffer Grundtvig Skaarup1,2
1Cardiovascular Non-Invasive Imaging Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev & Gentofte, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
Psoriasis patients show increased myocardial dysfunction, even with controlled skin disease. This heart condition is independent of other health issues and similar across psoriasis severity, emphasizing the need for cardiovascular checks in all psoriasis patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Psoriasis is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- The specific impact of psoriasis on cardiac structure and function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiac structure, function, and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with psoriasis compared to matched controls.
- To analyze these factors across different psoriasis severity levels.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analysis of 1010 adults with psoriasis and 1010 matched controls from the PSOCADIA cohort.
- Participants underwent clinical assessment and transthoracic echocardiography to assess cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial dysfunction defined by global longitudinal strain (GLS).
Main Results:
- Individuals with psoriasis exhibited significantly higher rates of myocardial dysfunction (abnormal GLS) compared to controls (16.7% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.001).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for cardiometabolic risk factors and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- Cardiac structure and function were comparable across psoriasis severity, though higher BMI and diabetes were linked to myocardial dysfunction in psoriasis patients.
Conclusions:
- Psoriasis patients have a greater burden of myocardial dysfunction, irrespective of skin disease severity or cardiometabolic comorbidities.
- Cardiovascular assessment is crucial for all individuals diagnosed with psoriasis, regardless of their skin condition's apparent severity.
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