Research Highlights Link Between Psoriasis Treatment & Cardiovascular Diseases
A recent research on psoriasis, conducted by Professor Min Chen, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Peking Union Medical College has highlighted the link between cardiovascular diseases and psoriasis treatment. Psoriasis is a common, long-term chronic disease that causes red, itchy patches, commonly on scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.
According to the research, there are multiple patients with psoriasis who struggle with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease as well. Professor Chen emphasises that the presence of cardiovascular diseases like such should be considered when treating psoriasis. Furthermore, according to her, while a few drugs for psoriasis may increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases, some can reduce them.
It must be noted that the summary of the study was provided in a review article published in Chinese Medical Journal. Prof. Chen along with her colleagues explored how various drugs influence the long-term risks of ‘MACE’, where MACE is an acronym for myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident and cardiovascular mortality. During the study, it was noted that certain psoriasis treatments like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors and methotrexate may actually minimize long-term MACE risk. On the other hand, it was also noted that some interleukin (IL) inhibitors may enhance the risk for MACE.
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The findings indicate that more research is required before scientists can rank psoriasis treatments with regards to their effects on long-term MACE risks.
Presently, the consensus of medical scientists on whether systemic treatments for psoriasis can mitigate or worsen arterial plaques, vascular function, and vascular inflammation has not been reached. However, there is some evidence that psoriasis treatments for psoriasis counter inflammation of coronary tissues can lessen the coronary plaque burdens that contribute to coronary artery disease.
Along with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, psoriasis patients are also at an increased risk of developing various risk factors like obesity, diabetes mellitus, and high blood lipid levels for cardiovascular diseases.
Prof. Chen hopes that findings of the study will help medical practitioners provide optimum medication advice to psoriasis patients who suffer from cardiovascular complications as well.
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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
