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Risk of Cardiovascular Disorders in Psoriasis Patients

Current and Future

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology volume 14, pages 1–7 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the skin. Recently, psoriasis and its consequential lifestyle and dietary habits have been associated with increased risks for cardiovascular diseases. This article discusses the connection between cardiovascular disorders and psoriasis and the effects of available treatment options on cardiovascular risk. A PubMed search revealed 11 articles that were analyzed for information regarding this association, its effects, and potential courses of treatment. Both the presence and severity of psoriasis increases the risk for cardiovascular disorders and co-morbidities. Forty percent of psoriasis patients met metabolic syndrome criteria as compared with 23 % of non-psoriasis control subjects. Rate ratios for atrial fibrillation are correlated with the severity of psoriasis; patients with severe and mild psoriasis produced rate ratios of 1.63 and 1.31, respectively. Studies also show an increase in the risks for myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. The exact mechanisms behind this affiliation are still uncertain; however, the psychological and physiological effects of psoriasis and the overlapping pathogenesis behind atherosclerosis and psoriasis may play a role. Since the risk for cardiovascular disorders increases with the presence and severity of psoriasis, psoriasis treatment should not only address the disease and its symptoms, but also its co-morbidities. Recent National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) guidelines have provided recommendations for psoriasis patient care. Histories of co-morbidities, screenings for potential diseases, increased exercise, decreased alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation should be implemented. Unfortunately, while there are data for the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases within psoriasis patients, there are presently no data stating that increasing cardiovascular screening rates in patients produces a significant difference.

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Acknowledgments

The Center for Dermatology Research is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Dr. Feldman is a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, Warner Chilcott, Janssen, Amgen, Photomedex, Genentech, BiogenIdec, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Feldman has received grants from Galderma, Astellas, Abbott Labs, Warner Chilcott, Janssen, Amgen, Photomedex, Genentech, BiogenIdec, Coria/Valeant, Pharmaderm, Ortho Pharmaceuticals, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Roche Dermatology, 3M, Bristol Myers Squibb, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Medicis, Leo, HanAll Pharmaceuticals, Celgene, Basilea, and Anacor and has received stock options from Photomedex. Ms. Tablazon, Mr. Al-Dabagh, and Mr. Davis have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1071, USA

    Ingrid L. D. Tablazon, Amir Al-Dabagh, Scott A. Davis & Steven R. Feldman

  2. Department of Pathology, Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Steven R. Feldman

  3. Department of Public Health Sciences, Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Steven R. Feldman

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  1. Ingrid L. D. Tablazon
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  2. Amir Al-Dabagh
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  3. Scott A. Davis
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  4. Steven R. Feldman
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Correspondence to Scott A. Davis.

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Tablazon, I.L.D., Al-Dabagh, A., Davis, S.A. et al. Risk of Cardiovascular Disorders in Psoriasis Patients. Am J Clin Dermatol 14, 1–7 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-012-0005-5

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