Psoriasis Treatments May Improve Cardiovascular Symptoms

According to research presented at the 2016 AAD Summer Annual Meeting, treating patients for psoriasis may help to reduce related cardiovascular symptoms by reducing overall inflammation.  

“People with psoriasis, particularly those with more severe disease, have an increased risk for a variety of other health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and heart attack,” Jashin J Wu, MD, director of dermatology research at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, said in a press release. “Psoriasis patients, even those with mild disease, need to be aware of how this condition affects their overall health.”

Inflammation caused by psoriasis can affect the entire body and lead to inflammatory cardiovascular issues, according to Dr Wu. During the presentation, Dr Wu stated that psoriasis treatment, such as biologic medications, can help improve cardiovascular symptoms. Dr Wu cited research showing that when compared with patients not treated with TNF Inhibitors, those who received the biologic had a 50% reduction in myocardial infarction risk.

Dr Wu also cited research by Ahlehoff and colleagues, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, which showed that systemic anti-inflammatory treatment with methotrexate significantly reduced rates of cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis. 

“Psoriasis is a serious medical condition that can have a detrimental effect on your overall health,” Dr Wu said in the press release. “If you have this disease, talk to a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best treatment option for you. Managing your psoriasis is not just about improving your skin — it’s about caring for your entire well-being.”

According to the press release, the reasons for these reductions in cardiovascular symptoms are unknown and more research is needed to narrow down the causality. –David Costill