Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Women with Psoriasis

Abstract

Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear; nevertheless, it is thought to be complex including several key components such as genetic predisposition, triggers from the environment, skin barrier disruption, and immunological dysfunction. About 85–90% of all psoriatic patients present with plaque type of psoriasis. The systemic nature of psoriasis makes an independent risk factor for cardiac disease. The main objective is to find the association between lipid profile, arterial stiffness, and psoriasis among female patients. Materials and Methods: Female patients with psoriasis in the age group of 20–50 years were selected. The duration of the study was 1 year. For lipid profile, after 12 h of fasting, 5 mL of blood was taken and analyzed by kit method using Transasia RX 1000. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were estimated using the Friedewald formula. Arterial stiffness was measured using an oscillometric noninvasive arteriography. Right brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (RbaPWV), left brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (LbaPWV), and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity were measured in cm/s. Results: In the present study, 28% of the females were <38 years and 44% of females were in the range of 39–46 years. The mean value of cholesterol was (263.66 ± 47.74), Triglyceride (188.38 ± 27.56), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (50.06 ± 18.05) LDL (171.60 ± 33.98), and very LDL (89.74 ± 13.361) mg/dL, respectively. Significant correlation was found between LbaPWV and Psoriasis (0.03), HDL and psoriasis (0.04), and psoriasis and RbaPWV (0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that psoriasis patients have hyperlipidemia, which will increase arterial stiffness and may lead to cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Variables such as lipid profiles and arterial stiffness may be used as screening tools for the early detection of CVDs.