Psoriasis treatment may improve cardiovascular symptoms, researcher reports

Psoriasis treatment may improve cardiovascular symptoms by reducing skin inflammation, which could lead to less inflammation in other parts of the body, according to a presentation during a scientific session at the American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting in Boston.

“People with psoriasis, particularly those with more severe disease, have an increased risk for a variety of other health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and heart attack,” Jashin J. Wu, MD, FAAD, director of dermatology research at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, stated in a press release from the AAD. “Psoriasis patients, even those with mild disease, need to be aware of how this condition affects their overall health.”

Although studies have indicated that biologics may improve cardiovascular symptoms for some patients with psoriasis, the reasons remain unclear, according to Wu.

More research is needed to determine whether there is a direct connection between biologic treatment and the improvement of cardiovascular systems, as well as to measure how biologics compare with other psoriasis treatments, according to the release.

Wu stated he advises patients with psoriasis to seek treatment, maintain a healthy weight and to talk to a physician about testing for cardiovascular conditions.

Reference:

Wu JJ. S008 – Psoriasis. The Effects of Biologics on Cardiovascular Disease. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting; July 28-31, 2016; Boston.

Disclosure: Healio.com/Dermatology could not determine relevant financial disclosures prior to publication.