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New study draws connection between psoriasis and heart health risk

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Individuals who have received unhealthy lab tests regarding their cardiovascular condition may want to pay attention to any symptoms of psoriasis. New evidence suggests that the two areas of health may be linked and successfully treating one may benefit the other.

Several studies have shown that psoriasis patients are more likely to suffer heart attacks. The findings suggest that inflammation may be at the center of the association.

For the study, researchers from the Montreal Heart Institute tracked the health of a group of participants who had been diagnosed with psoriasis. They found that individuals who were successfully treated for the condition had 51 percent lower C-reactive protein levels.

This molecule is known to be a marker of cardiovascular inflammation. Higher levels have been shown to be linked to an increased heart attack and stroke risk. Similarly, inflammation plays an important role in the development of psoriasis.

The findings suggest that successfully treating inflammation may have a positive effect on a person's skin and cardiovascular health.

"These findings are extremely encouraging for people suffering from psoriasis, as they face a greater risk of cardiovascular disease," said lead researcher Jean-Claude Tardif.