Psoriasis and cardiovascular risk factors

Lately, two studies have placed focus on psoriasis and cardiovascular risk factors.

 

Cardiovascular risk factors more prevalent in psoriatics
A UK population-based study (1) identified 128.000 patients with mild psoriasis and 3854 with severe psoriasis. The risk factors studied were diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and smoking.

 

The respective prevalence rates of these risk factors were significant elevated in psoriatics compared to controls, particularly diabetes and obesity were more prevalent in those with severe psoriasis than with mild psoriasis.

 

Psoriasis an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction
A population-based case-control study (2) concluded that patients with psoriasis have a significant increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) independent of traditional CV risk factors. The study included more than 130 000 patients.

The risk was particular great for younger patients and for patients with severe psoriasis, also when adjusting for age, diabetes, MI history, dyslipidemia, hypertension, sex, and smoking status. As patients got older, the risk seemed to go down closer to baseline.

 

Screen patients for risk factors
Summarised from these two studies, physicians who see patients with psoriasis, particular young patients, should screen them for cardiovascular risk factors and encourage patients to manage those of the risk factors, which can be modified.

 

References:

Neimann , AL et al. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006; 55: 829-835.