Does Psoriasis Put Me at Risk for Heart Disease?

If you live with psoriasis, you might be more at risk for developing heart disease, but the reasons why are still a bit of a mystery. Here are some practical tips for lowering your risk.

Psoriasis goes much further than skin deep. Psoriasis occurs due to an overreaction of the immune system, resulting in body-wide inflammation.

Long-term exposure to inflammation may have several consequences for your health, including potentially heart health. Over time, this may place stress on your heart and other organs, putting you at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Still, this link is up for debate. Some evidence suggests that inflammation and other possible factors link psoriasis with heart disease. Other evidence suggests this link is less clear and factors outside psoriasis may be increasing your risk of heart disease.

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The link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease

Current and past studies offer mixed conclusions about a link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, though many suggest psoriasis may be a risk factor.

In a 2018 review of research, researchers discussed the increasing amount of evidence linking cardiovascular disease and psoriasis.

They suggest people living with psoriasis do have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to other populations. However, they also note that future research is needed to fully understand this connection.

In a 2021 study, the researchers noted that people with psoriasis have a 50% higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease compared with other populations. The risk increased based on the severity of skin involved or disease severity.

The researchers also added that inflammation — both systemic and localized to the skin — along with other traditional risk factors (such as age, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking), increase a person’s chances of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.

Treatments for psoriasis may help reduce this risk, though more studies are needed to fully understand the effects.

More recently, an extensive study published in 2023 found that over 30% of people living with psoriasis experience coronary microvascular dysfunction. This condition affects the lining or walls of the small coronary artery blood vessels that connect to larger coronary arteries.

The researchers found that inflammation reduces blood flow in these small vessels, which can raise someone’s chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Psoriasis-related factors linked to heart disease

Still, not all research agrees on the strength of the link between psoriasis and heart disease.

Researchers in a 2021 study suggest a link may exist between the two conditions, but they strongly urge further research into other possible factors that may increase the risk that someone who has psoriasis will develop cardiovascular disease.

A 2022 study also notes a possible — though unclear — connection between psoriasis and heart disease. They note several factors related to psoriasis that may increase risk, including:

• dyslipidemia, elevated cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood leading to chances of clogged arteries
• abnormal platelet activation
• systemic inflammation

They also suggest that people living with psoriasis may have higher odds of having other risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, diabetes, or smoking.

The researchers suggest that anyone living with psoriasis should be regularly monitored for cardiovascular disease signs and risk factors to help prevent its development.

Ways to reduce your risk of heart disease

If you’re living with psoriasis, you may want to take some steps to help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Create a treatment plan

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says that one important step is finding a dermatologist who can create a treatment plan catered to your individual needs and overall health. 

A dermatologist can consider several aspects of your health, including age, other medical conditions, your risk of developing other conditions, previous medications, and more.

Explore medications

Certain medications used to treat psoriasis may also reduce your risk of heart disease. These include methotrexate and Stelara (ustekinumab), as well as other biologics.

Make changes to your lifestyle

You can also make changes to your daily life that can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, such as:

• get regular exercise or engage in physical activity for at least 150 minutes or 2 1/2 hours a week
• eat a nutritious diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains and minimizes saturated fats, processed foods, and added sugars
• limit how much alcohol you drink
• avoid or quit smoking
• maintain a healthy weight for your body

You may also want to monitor your blood pressure at home, though you can ask a doctor if this is necessary. Consider discussing your personal risk factors with a primary doctor and getting regular blood tests to check cholesterol levels.

Takeaway

Living with psoriasis may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to understand this link.

Inflammation associated with psoriasis likely plays a role due to how it can affect blood vessels and other aspects of your health. How severe your psoriasis is may also influence your risk, as well as if you have other traditional heart disease risk factors.

Certain treatment options, treating your psoriasis overall, and making some lifestyle changes may all help reduce your risk. Consider discussing your potential risk with a dermatologist and primary doctor.