Psoriasis is a chronic condition of the immune system characterised by itchy, scaly patches and rashes on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.
The condition is long-term and has no cure. It is painful and can also interfere with sleep and concentration abilities. But as per a new study, they are also likely to raise the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) leading to heart attack or stroke.
How is psoriasis linked to CVDs?
Psoriasis affects 1/3rd of the global population and CVDs have been recognised as the leading cause of deaths globally. For this, researchers from the University of Padova in Italy performed a study on 503 psoriasis patients who were not suffering clinical CVDs but were evaluated using a transthoracic doppler echocardiography to analyse their risks.
Scientists noted that these people had a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction in over 30 per cent asymptomatic patients. Recent studies have depicted that psoriasis patients have a higher morbidity and mortality rate due to heart diseases. While there is limited research on the subject, certain mechanisms underlying the heightened odds of cardiovascular dysfunction.
The results of the study appeared in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. It was also noted that the severity of psoriasis, assessed by Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, and the duration of the disease are associated with lower coronary flow reserve (CFR), along with psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis management
Additionally, conventional risk factors of heart diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or tobacco use were not independently linked to lower odds of CFR in severe psoriasis patients. It is imperative to diagnose the same while actively searching for microvascular dysfunction in people with psoriasis. Doctors stress on the importance of timely and effective treatment of psoriasis to restore dysfunction and prevent long-term odds of myocardial infarction and heart failure.
