Psoriasis And Heart Disease: Expert Explains How This Condition Increases Heart Disease

From onlymyhealth.com

People with psoriasis have an increased chance of developing heart diseases due to increased inflammation. Here's how you can manage it

Did you know psoriasis, a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, can increase the risk of heart disease? This is because psoriasis triggers inflammation both externally on your skin and internally within your body. Prolonged internal inflammation can impact your heart and blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart disease or stroke. We spoke to our expert Dr Bimal Chhajer, Senior Cardiologist, Former Consultant, AIIMS and Director, SAAOL Heart Centre, New Delhi, who explained the connection between psoriasis and heart disease.

Role of Inflammation

People with severe psoriasis have a higher risk of heart disease due to several interconnected factors. 

“Firstly, inflammation plays a central role in both psoriasis and cardiovascular disease. Psoriasis is characterised by systemic inflammation, which can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This process narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes”, said Dr Chhajer.

The inflammation raises the possibility of atherosclerosis, a condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, by promoting the formation of plaques in blood vessels.

According to Cureus, psoriasis runs in families in around one-third of cases, and at least nine genetic anomalies have been linked to the disease so far. 

Shared Risk Factors

“Heart disease and psoriasis are both associated with risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol. Both illnesses may get worse due to these circumstances”, added Dr Chhajer.

According to HHS Public Access, Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) disease is 50% more common in those with psoriasis, and the risk of CVD disease rises with skin severity. 

According to a comparative study by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,  psoriasis raises the likelihood of heart arrhythmias, which is an indication of heart problems. 

Psychological and Behavioural Impact

Dr Chhajer highlighted, “Long-term effect of the persistent skin condition of psoriasis can induce psychological strain, potentially leading to detrimental behaviours like excessive eating, smoking, or sedentary habits, all of which elevate the likelihood of developing heart disease."

According to research published in the American Journal of Cardiology, people under 60 who have severe forms of skin disease have an increased risk of heart disease.

Treatment Effects

“In treatment effects certain systemic immunosuppressants, which are commonly prescribed for severe psoriasis management, may possess side effects that heighten the likelihood of heart disease or exacerbate pre-existing cardiovascular ailments”, added Dr Chhajer. 

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) also recommends asking your doctor if you have any risk factors for heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and a family history of heart disease. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and medication if you have any risk factors for lowering the chances of developing heart disease.

Pre-emptive Measures

People experiencing severe psoriasis should acknowledge their heightened susceptibility to heart disease and adopt pre-emptive measures to safeguard their general well-being. Dr Chhajer added, “This involves adhering to a healthy lifestyle, mitigating stress, and collaborating closely with healthcare providers to oversee and mitigate cardiovascular risk factors. Regular heart disease screenings and check-ups are imperative for managing severe psoriasis effectively.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]

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