The Heart-psoriasis Connection: What You Need to Know
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that inflames areas of skin. This condition causes discomfort and itching. It also causes raised skin lesions because of an abnormally fast turnover of skin cells.
Although this chronic condition can’t be cured, it can be managed. However, psoriasis can be connected to certain heart problems even if your psoriasis symptoms are under control.
Heart problems and psoriasis
Psoriasis, like other autoimmune diseases, causes the immune system to overreact to a perceived threat. This immune system reaction triggers inflammation in your body.
Inflammation and heart disease
Inflammation can take many forms. These may include reddened patches of skin on your body and psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms can also include conjunctivitis, inflammation of the lining of your eyelids.
Psoriasis may also take different forms. Generally, people with any type of psoriasis have a risk of heart attack that is almost three times greater than in people without psoriasis.
Blood vessels can also become inflamed. This can cause the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of a fatty substance called plaque inside your artery walls. Plaque
slows or interrupts the flow of blood to your heart. This heightens your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Some psoriasis treatments can result in irregular cholesterol levels. This can harden the arteries and make a heart attack even more likely. People with psoriasis have also been found to have an increased risk of coronary heart disease, according to the British Journal of Dermatologytrusted Source.
Psoriatic arthritis and heart arrhythmia
Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis will eventually develop psoriatic arthritis. One studytrusted Source linked psoriasis to increased risks of heart arrhythmia. This is an indication of heart problems. The study concluded that psoriatic arthritis carries a higher risk of arrhythmia.
People who have severe forms of the skin disease and are under age 60 are more likely to develop heart disease, according to findings published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
Psoriasis can mean an increased risk of heart problems. But you can strengthen your heart through diet, exercise, and stress reduction.
ADDRESSING YOUR RISK FACTORS
Exercise
Making lifestyle adjustments such as quitting smoking and incorporating daily exercise can improve your heart health. The American Heart Association recommends exercising 75 to 150 minutes per week, depending on the intensity level of your workout. As far as the type of exercise, anything goes. Some suggestions - dancing- walking include: - swimming- jumping rope
Do whatever makes you happy — as long as you get your heart pounding. Vigorous, high-intensity workouts elevate your heart rate for longer periods. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, but don’t worry if you can’t reach that goal. Shorter walks and jogs benefit your heart if done regularly. Stress
Stress reduction and exercise can go hand in hand and benefit your cardiovascular system. Stress causes you to tense up and can intensify symptoms of heart disease and psoriasis.
Diet and nutrition
What you eat plays a role in improving heart health. Diet may also have a positive effect on psoriasis. A hearthealthy diet includes healthy fats and whole grains. It also involves reducing your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
Consider making these changes to your diet to improve your heart health:
- Choose whole-grain pasta and bread, and brown rice. - Limit fried food and baked goods. - Concentrate on lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and beans. - Cook with healthy fat, which can be found in olive and flaxseed oils.
In addition to eating healthy, one studytrusted Source showed losing weight reduces the severity of psoriasis symptoms.