When people hear the word psoriasis, they usually think of red, flaky patches on the skin. These patches can be itchy, uncomfortable, and often make people feel self-conscious. But there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Psoriasis is not just a skin condition—it can affect the whole body, including the heart.
Psoriasis happens when the immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, starts attacking healthy skin cells by mistake. This causes skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to thick, scaly areas.
But the problem isn’t limited to the skin. The immune system’s overreaction also causes long-term inflammation throughout the body, which can damage other organs—including the heart and blood vessels.
Inflammation is the body’s natural way of healing. If you get a cut or a cold, inflammation helps your body recover. But in psoriasis, the inflammation doesn’t go away. It stays active all the time, even when there’s no infection or injury to fight. This kind of constant inflammation can be harmful, especially to the heart.
Research shows that people with severe psoriasis are more likely to have heart problems. In fact, they are up to 58% more likely to have a heart attack and 43% more likely to have a stroke than people without psoriasis. This isn’t just true for older people—young people with severe psoriasis also face higher heart risks.
One reason is that the same inflammation that causes skin symptoms also affects the heart and blood vessels. It can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, where the blood vessels become narrow or blocked. This makes it harder for blood to flow and can result in heart attacks or strokes.
Psoriasis also increases the risk of other conditions that harm the heart. Many people with psoriasis have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. They are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. All of these problems make heart disease more likely. When combined with the inflammation caused by psoriasis, the danger becomes even greater.
Fortunately, there are ways to lower these risks. Treating psoriasis with anti-inflammatory medications can not only improve skin symptoms but also reduce inflammation in the rest of the body, including the heart. Some studies suggest that these treatments might help lower the chances of heart problems in people with psoriasis.
Lifestyle changes are also important. People with psoriasis can protect their heart by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing stress. These steps help everyone stay healthy, but they are especially important for those with psoriasis because of their higher risk.
Psoriasis is more than something that affects how your skin looks. It’s a long-term condition that can impact your whole body, especially your heart. That’s why it’s important for people with psoriasis to work closely with their doctors—not just to treat their skin, but also to look after their overall health.
Understanding the link between psoriasis and heart disease helps patients and doctors take better care of the whole person. With the right treatment and lifestyle choices, people with psoriasis can reduce their risk of heart problems and enjoy a healthier life.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about how espresso coffee affects your cholesterol level, and results showing Vitamin K2 could help reduce heart disease risk.
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