A recent study conducted by the Department of Cardiology at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology and Department of Internal Medicine-Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, has shed new light on the complex relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular health, revealing that the skin condition may carry risks far beyond its visible symptoms.
Psoriasis, a
chronic inflammatory disorder affecting nearly 2–3 per cent of the population,
has long been associated with the skin and joint discomfort.
However, this new research
highlights how fat tissue found in psoriasis patients becomes a hub of immune
activity, contributing to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and
increased vulnerability to heart disease.
“We’re beginning
to understand psoriasis as a multi-system condition,” said one of the lead
researchers. “The inflammation doesn’t stop at the skin — it extends into fat
tissue, which plays a key role in metabolic and cardiovascular complications.”
The study further found
elevated levels of substances like leptin, resistin and adiponectin in
psoriasis patients — biomarkers that influence both inflammation and heart
health. These findings suggest that psoriasis may independently contribute to
cardiovascular risk, even in the absence of traditional factors like
hypertension or diabetes.
Importantly, the research also explored
how psoriasis treatment may impact heart health. Medications such as
methotrexate and TNF inhibitors showed promise in reducing cardiovascular
events, though further investigation is needed to fully understand their long-term
effects.
A senior author of the study,
emphasised the need for routine cardiovascular screening in psoriasis patients.
“We recommend that dermatologists and primary-care physicians work closely with
cardiologists to monitor heart health in these individuals,” she further said.
The study also advocates for
lifestyle interventions, including a balanced diet, stress reduction and
smoking cessation, as essential components of care.
Additionally, medications like statins and
metformin may help manage cardiovascular risk factors in psoriasis patients.
The findings are expected to
throw light on future screening guidelines and treatment strategies, with
researchers calling for greater collaboration between dermatologists,
rheumatologists, and cardiologists to address the full spectrum of
psoriasis-related health concerns.
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