Background and objectives: Psoriasis is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and mortality. The aims of this study were to identify CVD risk in patients with psoriasis, and to determine their awareness of the comorbidities.
Method: Patients with psoriasis and controls had their inter-arm blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference measured at their routine clinic appointment. Those with psoriasis also completed a survey regarding awareness of the comorbidities.
Results: A total of 179 patients with psoriasis and 115 control patients participated in the study. Patients with psoriasis were significantly more likely to be obese (odds ration [OR] 6.3). An inter-arm blood pressure difference >10 mmHg was more likely in patients with psoriasis for systolic (OR 1.9) and diastolic (OR 2.3) readings. Survey data showed that 47 (26.3%) psoriasis patients knew that psoriasis was associated with being overweight.
Discussion: On the basis of anthropologic measurements, patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of CVD, compared with non-psoriasis patients. There is inadequate knowledge among psoriasis patients regarding the comorbidities of psoriasis.