Skin conditions can affect joints and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
Why can an inflammatory skin disease increase cardiovascular risk? What, after all, is the relationship between severe psoriasis and coronary microvascular dysfunction? A new study published in October in Journal of Investigative Dermatology identifies a way to understand this association.
“Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease that affects 1 to 3% of the world’s population. In this study, a total of 503 patients with psoriasis and without clinical cardiovascular disease underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography to evaluate coronary microcirculation (inability of the arteries). The researchers discovered a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction in over 30% of asymptomatic patients in the study population”, explains dermatologist Dr. Ana Maria Pellegrini.
Association between psoriasis and cardiovascular mortality
Previous studies had already demonstrated this patients suffering from psoriasis severe cases had increased cardiovascular mortality. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this increased risk have not yet been identified.
The study authors aimed to investigate in more detail the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction, assessed by coronary flow reserve (CFR), in a large cohort of patients with severe psoriasis and its association with the severity and duration of psoriasis, as well as other studies. patient characteristics patients.
The study revealed that the severity of psoriasis, assessed by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), and disease duration were independently associated with lower coronary flow reserve, along with the presence of psoriatic arthritis. “These findings highlight the importance of considering interrelated factors inflammation and psoriasis in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in patients suffering from severe psoriasis”, explains the doctor.
Early treatment can prevent cardiovascular complications
Study supports the role of systemic psoriasis inflammation in the development of coronary microvascular dysfunction. “We need to actively diagnose and look for microvascular dysfunction in patients with psoriasis, as this population is particularly at high risk. We might hypothesize that early and effective treatment of psoriasis would restore the dysfunction and ultimately prevent future risk of complications, such as heart attack of the myocardium and associated heart failure”, says Dr. Ana Maria Pellegrini.
The expert also underlines that “some preliminary studies have shown that coronary microvascular dysfunction is restored after treatment with biological products. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm whether these results translate into a reduction in cardiovascular events”, she concludes.
By Maria Claudia Amoroso
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
