Psoriasis Raises Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, Death

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However, the data are only suggestive, noted Dr. Joel M. Gelfand, medical director of the University of Pennsylvania's department of dermatology clinical studies unit, which has published several reports showing the same association.

One of his group's studies, using British data, found a 55 percent increased cardiovascular risk and a 78 percent higher death rate in persons with psoriasis, Gelfand said. "But we don't have enough data to know if controlling psoriasis would also control those risks," he said. "This is a key public health question best answered in a randomized, controlled trial."

Like Kirsner, Gelfand stressed the need to address traditional cardiovascular risk factors in people with psoriasis. "Patients who have psoriasis, especially severe cases, should be screened for modifiable risk factors," Gelfand said. "We have a plan in place for our patients to achieve a healthy lifestyle, a plan that includes weight control and exercise."

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Psoriasis affects 2 percent to 3 percent of the world's population, including 7 million Americans, the new report estimated.

More information

Details on psoriasis can be found at the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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