A University of Miami study published in the June issue of the Archives of Dermatology concluded that psoriasis patients face an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. According to Forbes.com, the 20 year study, which compared 3,235 psoriasis patients with 2,500 patients without the disease, found a “78 percent higher incidence of heart disease, a 70 percent higher incidence of stroke, and a 98 percent higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease (blockage of arteries in the legs) in the psoriasis group.” The overall death rate for psoriasis patients was 86 percent higher than those without psoriasis. Significantly, the study’s co-author, Dr. Robert S. Krisner, pointed out that “psoriasis imposes the same level of risk as high blood lipids and smoking.” Researchers believe that the increased risk may be related to chronic inflammation, but further studies are needed to determine whether controlling psoriasis can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
These results are further supported by a University of Pennsylvania study which also found a relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (55 percent increased cardiovascular risk and a 78 percent increased death rate in psoriasis patients). Both studies stressed the importance of psoriasis patients understanding their risk and emphasized that further studies are needed to fully understanding the link. Patients should talk with their doctor about the controllable risk factors of cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, smoking and diabetes.
Further information: Psoriasis and heart disease. Severe psoriasis can shorten life.
Category: Impact of psoriasis, Psoriasis Research
