A link between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis and a higher chance of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart and circulation problems is confirmed in a detailed new study.<\/p>\n
INTRODUCTION <\/strong><\/p>\n At first glance psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis caused by psoriasis), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) don\u2019t seem to have much in common with heart disease. After all, they affect very different parts of the body (the skin and joints as opposed to the heart and blood vessels). However, one thing that may link these illnesses is inflammation. <\/p>\n WHAT DID THE RESEARCHERS HOPE TO FIND?<\/strong><\/p>\n The researchers wanted to explore whether people with RA, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis were more likely to have heart attacks and other serious problems related to heart disease than people without these conditions. They were particularly interested in the possible link with psoriatic arthritis, as not much research has explored this.<\/p>\n WHO WAS STUDIED?<\/strong><\/p>\n Using a UK database of health records the researchers looked at more than 8,700 people with psoriatic arthritis, 41,700 people with RA, and 138,400 people with psoriasis (but not psoriatic arthritis). They also looked at more than 81,500 people who did not have any of these conditions. All of the people were aged 18 to 89.<\/p>\n HOW WAS THE STUDY CONDUCTED?<\/strong><\/p>\n The researchers followed the people for an average of five years to see whether those with RA, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis were more likely to have serious heart and circulation problems than those without these conditions. In particular, the researchers looked at whether people had a heart attack, a stroke, or died of a heart or circulation problem. WHAT DOES THE NEW STUDY SAY?<\/strong><\/p>\n During the study, people who had RA, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis were more likely than those without those conditions to have serious heart and circulation problems. The chance of problems varied depending on whether people were taking a DMARD. HOW RELIABLE ARE THE FINDINGS?<\/strong><\/p>\n This was a very large study that used a reliable database to follow people\u2019s health over time. The researchers also took into account many things that can affect a person\u2019s chance of serious heart and circulation problems, such as their age, whether they smoked, and whether they had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or \u00a0diabetes. This makes it more likely that the link with RA, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis is genuine. It\u2019s also worth noting that earlier studies looking at people with RA and psoriasis have had similar findings. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have RA, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis, these findings may sound alarming. But it\u2019s important to put them in perspective. If your chance of serious heart and circulation problems is generally low \u2013 say, a 2 percent (2 in 100) chance \u2013 then a 50 percent increase would raise it to only 3 percent (a 3 in 100 chance). Disclaimer<\/strong>: This is a summary of a scientific article written by a medical professional (\u201cthe Original Article\u201d). The Summary is written to assist non medically trained readers to understand general points of the Original Article. \u00a0It should not be relied on in any way whatsoever<\/span>, (which also means the Summary is not medical advice), and is simply supplied to aid a lay understanding of general points of the Original Article. It is supplied \u201cas is\u201d without any warranty. You should note that the Original Article (and Summary) may not be accurate as errors can occur and also may be out of date as medical science is constantly changing. \u00a0It is very important that readers not rely on the content in the Summary and consult their medical professionals for all aspects of their health care. Do not use this Summary as medical advice even if the Summary is supplied to the reader by a medical professional.<\/strong> Date summary prepared: February\u00a02015<\/p>\n Summary based on research article published on: 28 October 2014<\/p>\n From: Ogdie A, Yu Y, Haynes K, et al<\/em>. Risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis<\/em> 2015;74:326\u201332. doi:10.1136\/annrheumdis-2013-205675LaySummary Date prepared: April 2015<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & European League Against Rheumatism. Medical professionals may print copies for their and their patients and students non commercial use. Other individuals may print a single copy for their personal, non commercial use. For other uses please contact our Rights and Licensing<\/a> Team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A link between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis and a higher chance of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart and circulation problems is confirmed in a detailed new study. INTRODUCTION At first glance psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis caused by psoriasis), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) don\u2019t seem to have much in common with heart […]<\/p>\n
\nInflammation is the body\u2019s natural response to injuries (such as cuts, sprains, and broken bones), harmful substances (such as toxins), and germs (such as viruses). Inflammation usually lasts only a short time, helping us to heal or fight off an infection. However, sometimes inflammation lasts much longer and is not helpful, potentially causing damage to our tissues. This is what happens in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and RA.
\nMany previous studies have suggested that conditions that cause this long-term (chronic) inflammation can also increase the chance of other serious health problems, including heart disease. Nonetheless, there are still gaps in our knowledge about the link between heart disease and these illnesses.<\/p>\n
\nThey also wanted to explore whether people with more severe RA, psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis had a higher chance of these problems. To do this they looked at whether people were taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medicines are often used by people with more severe cases of these illnesses.<\/p>\n
\n\u25b8 Overall, the increased chance of heart and circulation problems was highest among people with RA. Those not taking a DMARD had nearly a 40 percent higher chance of these problems, while those taking a DMARD had nearly a 60 percent higher chance.
\n\u25b8 People with psoriasis had nearly a 10 percent higher chance of these problems if they did not take a DMARD, and around a 40 percent higher chance if they did.
\n\u25b8 People with psoriatic arthritis had more than a 20 percent higher chance of these problems if they did not take a DMARD. But those who did take a DMARD did not have an increased chance of these problems.<\/p>\n
\nHowever, the researchers had to make certain assumptions to arrive at their results. Notably, they assumed that people who used DMARDs had more severe illnesses than those who didn\u2019t take these medicines. But this may not always have been the case.<\/p>\n
\nThat\u2019s not to say that these findings aren\u2019t important, particularly if you already have a raised chance of heart and circulation problems for other reasons. The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk \u2013 for example, by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. You can discuss how best to lower your risk with your doctor.<\/p>\n
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