Exploring the association between cardiovascular and other disease-related risk factors in the psoriasis population: the need for increased understanding across the medical community

Abstract

There is abundant and accumulating evidence on the classification of psoriasis as a systemic disease that exhibits a host of co-morbidities. As a consequence, the second Interdisciplinary Conference on Co-morbidities and Lifestyle Modification, convened by the International Psoriasis Council, has concluded that specialist physicians, primary care physicians and dermatologists are faced with an opportunity to impact, not just psoriasis disease understanding and management, but overall patient well-being. The conference panel was represented by the disciplines of dermatology, cardiology, rheumatology, epidemiology, endocrinology, hepatology and gastroenterology, and medical specialists with particular expertise in obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammation and genetics. The multiple co-morbidities associated with psoriasis were reviewed with a view to identify possible mechanisms linking psoriatic disease with obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Consensus was established on the association of psoriasis with other co-morbidities and disease states. Consequently, there is a significant opportunity for specialist and primary care physicians to collaborate with dermatologists in the management of the overall health of psoriasis patients. First, there is an important need for physicians to routinely screen psoriasis patients for the multiple susceptibility risk factors and co-morbidities associated with psoriasis. Second, the design and implementation of lifestyle modification plans including exercise, diet and the limitation of alcohol and tobacco intake, will not only benefit their general medical health but also their psoriasis.