When most people think of psoriasis, they picture red, flaky patches of skin that itch or hurt. But psoriasis is more than just a skin problem—it can also be a sign of deeper health issues, including a higher risk of heart disease.
In fact, scientists are learning that what happens on the surface of the skin may reflect what’s going on inside the body, especially in the heart and blood vessels.
Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune disease. That means it happens when the body’s immune system, which normally fights infections, starts attacking healthy cells by mistake.
In psoriasis, the immune system targets skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly and pile up, creating those thick, scaly patches. But the same immune activity that harms the skin also creates widespread inflammation throughout the body.
This is where the heart comes in. Inflammation plays a key role in both psoriasis and heart disease. In small doses, inflammation helps the body heal.
But when it becomes chronic—meaning it doesn’t go away—it can damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and increase the buildup of plaque in the arteries. All of these effects raise the risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Studies show that people with psoriasis, especially those with severe cases, have a much higher risk of heart disease than those without the condition. In fact, one major study found that severe psoriasis was linked to a 58% higher risk of having a major heart problem and a 43% higher risk of stroke.
This isn’t just a concern for older adults, either. Even younger people with psoriasis face higher risks, which means the connection between psoriasis and heart disease is strong and far-reaching.
But the problem doesn’t stop with inflammation. People with psoriasis are also more likely to have other health conditions that put extra stress on the heart. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. All of these conditions increase the risk of heart disease, and they often appear together in people with psoriasis.
So what can people with psoriasis do? The first step is awareness. Knowing that psoriasis affects more than your skin can help you take action to protect your overall health.
Treating psoriasis with medications that reduce inflammation—such as creams, pills, or biologic injections—not only improves your skin but may also lower your heart disease risk. Some of these treatments are being studied for their ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body, not just in the skin.
It’s also important to make heart-healthy choices every day. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease. Staying active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all make a big difference, too.
If you have psoriasis, talk to your doctor not just about your skin, but also about your heart. You might need extra check-ups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Early action can help prevent bigger problems later on.
In the end, psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition—it’s a sign that the immune system is overactive, and that can affect your entire body. By managing the condition carefully and adopting a healthy lifestyle, people with psoriasis can take strong steps to protect both their skin and their heart.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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