When people think of psoriasis, they often picture red, scaly patches on the skin that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
However, there is much more to psoriasis than the visible symptoms. What many don’t realize is that people with psoriasis face a higher risk of developing heart disease.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. In the case of psoriasis, the immune system targets the skin, causing a rapid buildup of skin cells that results in the familiar scaly patches.
But this immune response doesn’t just affect the skin; it also plays a role in increasing the risk of serious health issues, including heart disease.
The connection between psoriasis and heart disease is largely due to chronic inflammation, a key feature of psoriasis. Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism when fighting off infections or healing injuries.
But when inflammation becomes chronic, as it does in psoriasis, it can cause harm instead of help.
The inflammation seen on the skin in psoriasis patients isn’t limited to the skin alone. It also extends to other important areas of the body, including the heart and blood vessels.
This means that people with psoriasis may have inflammation in their cardiovascular system, which can lead to an increased risk of heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Researchers have found a significant connection between severe psoriasis and a higher chance of heart problems.
For instance, studies show that people with severe psoriasis are up to 58% more likely to have a major heart event, such as a heart attack, and are 43% more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those without the condition.
Importantly, this increased risk isn’t just seen in older adults; even younger people with severe psoriasis are at higher risk for heart issues.
Additionally, the inflammation associated with psoriasis can worsen other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. People with psoriasis are also more likely to develop diabetes, another significant risk factor for heart disease.
This combination of factors makes it even more important for individuals with psoriasis to be aware of their heart health.
Managing psoriasis effectively can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Anti-inflammatory treatments for psoriasis don’t just improve the skin; they may also help lower inflammation throughout the body, potentially reducing heart-related risks.
In addition to medical treatments, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial for people with psoriasis. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
These habits are important for everyone but are particularly essential for those with psoriasis, given their increased vulnerability to heart problems.
The connection between psoriasis and heart disease is a strong reminder that psoriasis is more than just a skin condition. It’s a systemic disease that can have serious effects on overall health, including heart health.
Recognizing that psoriasis affects more than the skin highlights the need for comprehensive care that addresses both skin symptoms and the underlying risks to the heart.
By taking steps to manage both psoriasis and heart disease risk factors, people with psoriasis can significantly improve their overall health and quality of life.
With the right approach, it’s possible to keep both skin and heart in better shape, ensuring a healthier future for those living with this condition.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
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