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More than skin deep: atherosclerosis as a systemic manifestation of psoriasis
Author(s) -
Alexandroff A.B.,
Pauriah M.,
Camp R.D.R.,
Lang C.C.,
Struthers A.D.,
Armstrong D.J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09281.x
Subject(s) - psoriasis , medicine , disease , dermatology , rheumatoid arthritis , coronary artery disease , psoriatic arthritis , epidemiology , systemic disease , risk factor , systemic lupus , arthritis
Summary There is now growing evidence that psoriasis, like other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, is a systemic disorder that is associated with enhanced atherosclerosis and risk of coronary artery disease. Here we summarize the available epidemiological evidence for this association and analyse pathogenic features that are common to psoriasis and atherosclerosis. Further prospective studies are urgently needed to extend knowledge of the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with psoriasis and to confirm the degree to which treatment of psoriasis reduces this risk. Nevertheless, existing data are sufficient to indicate that severe psoriasis should be more widely recognized as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease and should be considered with the established factors when formulating strategies for the management of cardiovascular risk.