Investigating the Link between Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease: Current Evidence, Therapeutic Implications and Perspectives

Abstract

Psoriasis; a chronic inflammatory disease is characterized by symmetric hyperkeratotic plaques affecting any part of the body. Psoriasis is nowadays considered as a systemic inflammation linked with several comorbidities as metabolic syndrome, depression, anxiety and increased prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease. The hypothesis that psoriasis is an independent CV risk factor leading to atherosclerosis via inflammation is now widely accepted. Deciphering the underlying mechanisms interconnecting psoriasis and CV disease may have significant implications in treatment decisions. Accumulating evidence suggests that systematic therapies and recently introduced biologic agents, that control psoriasis by suppressing the chronic and systemic inflammation, may alter the progression of CV disease. We herein attempt a review of current evidence analysing the relationship between psoriasis and CV comorbidities, comment on the mechanisms underlying this association and investigate the consequences for the management of psoriasis.