Psoriatic arthritis and the association with cardiometabolic disease: a narrative review

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with a higher burden of cardiometabolic disorders, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared with the general population. These comorbidities are associated with the severity of disease, and adversely affect treatment outcomes in PsA. Comorbidities lead to increased physician visits and medications for patients and make the selection and maintenance of therapies challenging for physicians. Moreover, CVD is a leading cause of mortality in PsA. Therefore, optimal management of PsA should include not only treating the skin and joint disease, but also identifying comorbidities early, and managing them to improve long-term outcomes. Further studies are needed to understand the complex mechanisms, interactions, and trajectories of cardiometabolic comorbidities in psoriatic disease. Plain Language Summary Psoriatic arthritis and the association with cardiometabolic disease Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with a higher incidence and prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities compared with the general population, and higher than psoriasis and other inflammatory arthritides, such as rheumatoid arthritis and other spondyloarthritides. Obesity and hyperlipidemia are associated with an increased risk of developing PsA. Cardiometabolic comorbidities in PsA are associated with more severe disease and a lower likelihood of response to therapy. Suggested approaches to improve screening and management of CVD in PsA include education of family physicians and relevant specialists, development of mechanisms to improve communication between the rheumatologists and primary care providers, and novel models of care, including interdisciplinary cardio-rheumatology clinics.