Psoriasis and heart disease: Link and prevention Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is the link between psoriasis and heart disease Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Beth Sissons on June 29, 2022Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the body. This can affect organs such as the heart and may link to risk factors for heart disease. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition affecting the skin. An overactive immune system causes inflammation and speeds up the growth of skin cells. This leads to skin cells growing much more quickly than usual, causing layers of skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin and form plaques or scales. Inflammation from psoriasis can also affect other areas of the body, such as joints, tissues, and organs. People with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease due to chronic inflammation. This article looks at the link between psoriasis and heart and blood vessel disease, treatment options, and steps people can take to reduce the risk. Psoriasis-heart disease link Share on PinterestMEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty ImagesAccording to the National Psoriasis Foundation, chronic inflammation from psoriasis can lead to a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries, which can narrow and block them. This can increase the risk of heart disease. According to a 2018 review, there is a link between people with psoriasis and risk factors for heart disease, including:high blood pressurediabeteshaving obesityhigh cholesterolnarrowing or blockage of blood vesselschronic kidney disease The risk is higher for those with severe psoriasis or PsA. Learn how PsA affects the body here. Heart problems and psoriasis Chronic inflammation from psoriasis can affect the heart and blood vessels. This risk does not appear to affect people with mild psoriasis, and treating moderate to severe psoriasis may help reduce the risk. People with psoriatic arthritis have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. This is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A doctor will likely diagnose a person with metabolic syndrome if they have three or more of the following:high blood sugarlow levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or good cholesterolhigh levels of triglycerideslarge waist circumferencehigh blood pressure Psoriasis may cause heart rhythm disorders, such as arrhythmia. This may be due to inflammation and oxidative stress, which may alter heart function. Certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, may also cause arrhythmia. Learn how oxidative stress affects the body here. Prevention If a person has psoriasis, taking the following steps might help reduce the risk of heart disease:having a checkup with a doctor to assess any risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, or a family history of cardiovascular diseasemanaging psoriasis with a treatment plan, which may involve medications that also help to lower the risk of heart diseasedoing regular exercise with at least 30 minutes of physical activity each daydrinking 2–3 liters of water each dayavoiding smokinglimiting alcohol consumptionmaintaining a moderate weight eating moderate portion sizesconsuming a balanced diet, which might include vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low fat dairy, and lean proteinlimiting the intake of saturated or trans fats and replacing them with monounsaturated fats, such as olive oilmanaging stress, using relaxation techniques, enjoying a hobby, or taking exercise Learn about how diet can help psoriasis here. Can psoriasis medications benefit the heart Some medications for treating moderate to severe psoriasis may also help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Medications include:biologicsmethotrexateustekinumab A doctor will first need to assess whether these medications are suitable for people, as they can have side effects. Biologics block a certain protein in the immune system called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which plays a large role in the development of psoriasis. Medications that block TNF have shown a significant impact on inflammation in the blood, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Phototherapy, or light therapy, for psoriasis may also be effective in improving good cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers, and how the body breaks down lipids. Learn more about biologics for psoriasis here. When to contact a doctor People with psoriasis need to work alongside a doctor to create a treatment plan that is best for them. This may include lifestyle changes, medications, and topical treatments. People will need immediate medical attention if they have any signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, which include:sudden, severe pain in the chest, neck, jaw, or shoulder which does not go awayshortness of breath that does not ease with restnausea, indigestion, or vomitingsweating or skin feels cool and clammyfeeling fearful or anxioussudden weakness or numbness in one side of the body, which can include the face, arms, and legssudden changes in visionsudden state of confusion or difficulty communicating, even if this is temporary Learn the difference between a stroke and a heart attack here. Outlook Treating psoriasis may help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Mild psoriasis may not increase the risk of heart problems. Treatment for moderate or severe psoriasis may result in fewer heart attacks, strokes, and fatalities related to heart issues. Managing psoriasis and taking preventive measures, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and lowering stress, may also help reduce the risk of heart problems. Learn about some home remedies to treat psoriasis and how to avoid triggers here. Summary Psoriasis causes chronic inflammation that can affect tissues and organs throughout the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Long-term inflammation can cause narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle changes, medications, and psoriasis treatments may help reduce the risk. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022Heart DiseasePsoriasisPsoriatic ArthritisMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Beth Sissons on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHow to prevent psoriasis from spreading A look at how psoriasis can spread. Learn more about flare-up triggers, ways to prevent psoriasis from spreading on the body, and risk factors for the…READ MOREErythrodermic psoriasis: What you need to knowMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Erythrodermic psoriasis is an inflammatory type of psoriasis that can cause a red, peeling rash to spread across the body. READ MOREPsoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Is there a link?Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are related autoimmune conditions. Psoriasis may cause psoriatic arthritis, though they can develop independently…READ MOREEverything you need to know about psoriasis and smoking Smoking increases the risk of developing psoriasis. It can also worsen symptoms and may adversely impact how those with psoriasis respond to treatment.READ MOREWhat is the treatment for severe psoriasis? Psoriasis is severe when it affects over 10% of the body. Here, learn how medical treatment and home remedies can help manage symptoms and…READ MORE