Psoriasis Raises Heart Attack and Stroke Risk for 3% of People Worldwide
Updated
Updated · Bored Panda · Jul 23
Psoriasis Raises Heart Attack and Stroke Risk for 3% of People Worldwide
3 articles · Updated · Bored Panda · Jul 23
Summary
Dr. Saranya Wyles said psoriasis is tied to higher risks of heart attack and stroke, especially in severe cases, and should not be treated as only a cosmetic skin issue.
American Heart Association guidelines now classify psoriasis as a risk-enhancing inflammatory condition, linking the autoimmune disease to broader cardiovascular danger.
Psoriasis also raises the risk of metabolic syndrome—high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol—which can further drive heart complications.
About 3% of the global population has psoriasis, a chronic condition with no cure, making regular blood pressure checks and lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, sleep and avoiding smoking key prevention steps.
Wyles said the heart-risk link does not apply to every inflammatory skin problem, noting eczema and dry skin are more associated with skin-barrier and gut-microbiome issues.