Psoriasis may increase stroke risk, study says

The skin condition psoriasis may increase the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, a new Danish study says.

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In some cases, patients with psoriasis had nearly 3 times the risk of experiencing these conditions compared with people without psoriasis. The risk was greater in patients with severe psoriasis.

The findings add to a growing body of research linking psoriasis with heart and blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of heart attack and death from cardiovascular disease.

"In recent years, psoriasis has certainly taken the step from a disease affecting appearance to a systemic disease and cardiovascular risk factor," said study researcher Dr. Ole Ahlehoff, a cardiologist at Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte.

Patients with psoriasis should be monitored for indicators of cardiovascular disease, including heart arrhythmias, Ahleoffsaid.

And these patients may be candidates for interventions that will reduce cardiovascular disease risk, including lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and getting more exercise, and in some cases, medications, Ahlehoff said.

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Future studies should investigate whether treating psoriasis reduces patients' cardiovascular disease risk, he said.

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Psoriasis may increase stroke risk, study says