Psoriasis linked to heart disease

A recent study from Archives of Dermatology found that the skin condition psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis – a narrowing of the arteries that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body – which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease which causes the body to produce skin cells too quickly. They rise to the surface, pushing up other skin cells and causing a scaly pattern that is itchy or painful.

The study included 3,236 patients with psoriasis and 2,500 patients without psoriasis (controls). The researchers then compared cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease cases in both sets of patients. They found that more patients with psoriasis had a history of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. But after controlling for these risk factors, they still saw a connection between psoriasis and heart disease (including coronary artery, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases.)

The researchers haven’t studied whether effective control of psoriasis symptoms could affect the link between the skin condition and heart disease. Diet and nutrition may have a role to play in managing psoriasis (along with taking prescribed medication). Eating a proper diet that is low in fat and salt and high in fibre is an important part of keeping your heart and your whole body healthy.

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Posted June 22, 2009

Source: Prodanovich S, Kirsner RS, Kravetz JD, et al. Association of Psoriasis With Coronary Artery, Cerebrovascular, and Peripheral Vascular Diseases and Mortality. Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(6):700-703.

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