‘ Eczema patients at higher risk of heart attacks’

Severe eczema patients face nearly 70 per cent higher risk of heart failure. Their risk of stroke is 20 per cent higher and risk of heart attack is 40 per cent greater The risk increases with the severity of the eczema. The UK study is the largest of its kind and provides more definitive results A major new study suggests a link between severe eczema in adults and a moderately increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Past research has provided conflicting results. The new study - the largest to date - bolsters the case for screening and treating eczema patients with a view to preventing heart attacks and strokes. Given how common eczema is, even a small increase in risk would be important from a public health perspective, the authors argue in the study published in the British Medical Journal. “Targeting cardiovascular prevention strategies among these patients should be considered,” they write. The study found that patients with severe eczema were at a 20 per cent increased risk of stroke, 40 per cent to 50 per cent increased risk of unstable angina, heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular death, and almost 70 per cent increased risk of heart failure. Eczema ( also known as atopic eczema) is an inflammatory condition that affects up to 10 per cent of adults. The condition results in itchy skin. It usually starts in childhood with changing severity over the years. The more severe the eczema, the higher the risk. An international research team wanted to investigate whether adults with atopic eczema are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.