Psoriasis, a systemic inflammatory disease, is associated with enhanced atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, which may account for higher morbidity and mortality rates in psoriatic patients. It especially applies to younger psoriatic patients with more severe disease, reducing their life expectancy. The aim of the study was to review the literature on CV disease in psoriasis as well as the pathogenic mechanisms shared between psoriasis and atherosclerosis. Moreover, case-control and cohort studies published between 2006 and 2011 were selected for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicates elevated risk of cardiovascular events in psoriatic patients in relation to non-psoriatic controls (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.18-1.38). It is suggested that the treatment of the inflammatory processes involved in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and atherosclerosis may be beneficial in reducing the CV risk in psoriatic patients. Further in-depth investigations, including prospective studies, are needed to enable more effective management of psoriatic patients in the future.
© 2013 The International Society of Dermatology.