Psoriasis is no longer viewed purely as a skin disease. Decades of research have established that moderate-to-severe psoriasis is associated with significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.
The Inflammation Link
The same systemic inflammation that drives psoriatic plaques on the skin also contributes to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in the arteries. Inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-alpha and IL-17, promote arterial inflammation and plaque instability.
How Much Higher Is the Risk?
- Patients with severe psoriasis have approximately 58% higher risk of major cardiovascular events compared to the general population
- The increased risk is roughly equivalent to that associated with type 2 diabetes
- Risk increases with psoriasis severity, mild psoriasis carries less cardiovascular risk than severe psoriasis
Other Metabolic Associations
Moderate-to-severe psoriasis is also associated with: – Obesity and metabolic syndrome – Type 2 diabetes – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – Inflammatory bowel disease – Psoriatic arthritis (in up to 30% of patients)
What Patients Should Do
- Tell all physicians about your psoriasis: It is a systemic disease, not just a skin condition
- Manage traditional risk factors aggressively: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, smoking, and exercise all matter
- Consider whether your psoriasis treatment is adequate: Effectively treating skin inflammation may also reduce systemic cardiovascular inflammation
Clinical Trials at NuLine
If current psoriasis therapy is not providing adequate control, consider our clinical trial in Oakland Park, at no cost and with compensation per visit.