Psoriasis Sufferers Have Increased Likelihood of Serious Health Issues

If you are one of the millions of Americans who currently suffer from psoriasis, you may have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blockages in the legs, arms and groin, according to new research. Those who suffer with psoriasis, an irritating skin condition, which is also associated with atherosclerosis, a disease of the blood vessels signaled by plaque buildup, might also have an increased risk of dying.

Psoriasis, a condition that causes raised, silvery plaque-looking skin, affects around 7 million Americans. Several previously released studies have indicated a link between psoriasis and several other systemic, inflammatory diseases. Now, a new study published in the June issue of the Archives of Dermatology, indicates a greater risk of strokes, heart conditions and blockages for psoriasis sufferers.

Researchers for the new study evaluated heart rates, vascular diseases, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and death in 3,236 patients who were suffering with psoriasis and 2,500 patients who did not suffer from the skin condition. The group suffering from psoriasis was a few years older on average and consisted of more male patients, compared to the control group. The psoriasis group also consisted of more smokers, diabetics, and hypertensive patients. However, researchers adjusted for the differences. The study found those with psoriasis were twice as likely, as those not suffering from the condition, to have been diagnosed with heart disease, stroke-related vascular disease, or PAD. Nearly double the number of patients who were suffering from psoriasis died during the study, compared to those who did not suffer with the skin condition.

According to study author Dr. Robert S. Kirsner, a Stiefel Laboratories professor and vice chairman with the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, “Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease similar to rheumatoid arthritis [and] the same inflammatory cytokine profile that is thought to cause psoriasis has been also shown to cause cardiovascular disease.” He feels the underlying link between the conditions is inflammation. Dr. Kirsner says, “Psoriasis is not just a skin disease, but rather a disease that appears to have diffuse manifestations throughout the body.” Even though researchers are not sure if aggressively treating psoriasis can help to prevent heart conditions, stroke or PAD, there is some indication it may.

There is a need for more research, to better clarify the link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, but Dr. Kirsner says, “Patients with psoriasis and clinicians caring for patients with psoriasis should be aware of this association and take appropriate action to limit risk of developing these diseases.” Those who suffer from psoriasis should have regular check ups and screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol-levels and other links to heart conditions and stroke.