Could your skin condition be affecting your heart? Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder that affects millions, is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems like stroke. In a recent analysis of nearly 706,000 psoriasis patients, researchers found that those with severe psoriasis face a 36% higher risk of stroke compared to those without the condition. Even mild psoriasis isn't off the hook, with a 9% increased risk. This is particularly concerning because strokes can lead to significant disability or even death. The findings suggest that if you have psoriasis, especially if it’s severe or you're older, it’s essential to keep an eye on your heart health. Talk to your doctor about managing your cardiovascular risks. However, it’s important to remember that this research is just a starting point. We need more studies to understand why psoriasis increases stroke risk and how best to protect patients. Until then, staying informed and proactive about your health can make a big difference.
Psoriasis Linked to 24% Increased Stroke Risk, Especially in Severe CasesDoes Having Psoriasis Put You at Greater Risk for a Stroke?
AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work
Key Takeaway
Monitor cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients, especially those with severe disease.
This meta-analysis systematically reviewed 18 observational studies comprising 705,602 psoriasis patients and 17,971,569 controls to assess stroke risk associated with psoriasis. Using a random-effects model, the pooled hazard ratio (HR) for stroke in psoriasis patients was found to be 1.24 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.15-1.35, P<.05), indicating a 24% increased risk compared to controls. Stratification by disease severity revealed that patients with mild psoriasis had an HR of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02-1.16), while those with severe psoriasis had a significantly higher risk with an HR of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.21-1.53). Regional analysis showed varying risk levels, with HRs of 1.08 in Asia, 1.26 in Europe, and 1.49 in North America. Age subgroup analysis confirmed the association across different age groups. No specific safety or adverse event data were reported in the meta-analysis. Clinically, these findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in psoriasis patients, particularly those with severe disease, to mitigate stroke risk. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms driving this increased risk.
What this means for you:
If you have psoriasis, pay close attention to your heart health — it could save your life. More on Stroke
Individualized six-phase antithrombotic strategy leads to left ventricular thrombus resolution and neurological recovery
New strategy helps manage heart blood clots after heart attack
This case report describes an individualized six-phase antithrombotic strategy for a 27-year-old male with myocardial infarction, stroke, hy…
A tailored six-phase treatment plan helped a young man recover fully from a stroke and heart attack while successfully clearing dangerous bl…
Mind-body training improves upper-limb function after stroke, optimal dose near 33.5 hours
Mind body training improves arm function for stroke survivors
This meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (769 participants) found that mind-body training (MBT), including Tai Chi, significantly improves upper-limb f…
New data shows that mind body exercises like Tai Chi can significantly improve arm movement and function for people recovering from a stroke…
Tirofiban Adjunct Therapy Improves Outcomes in Patients with Inadequate Tenecteplase Response
Trial shows tirofiban improves outcomes for some stroke patients
Intravenous tirofiban significantly improves 90-day functional outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients failing initial tenecteplase ther…
A new clinical trial suggests that adding tirofiban can improve recovery rates for certain types of stroke patients who do not respond well …
Acupuncture shows consistent signals for dysphagia and depressive symptoms after ischemic stroke
Acupuncture May Help Stroke Patients with Swallowing and Mood
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on acupuncture for ischemic stroke. It finds more consistent signals for dysphagia and depressive…
New research suggests acupuncture may specifically help stroke patients manage swallowing difficulties, depression, and cognitive issues.
View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting 2% to 3% of the global population and is increasingly linked to systemic complications, including cardiovascular events like stroke. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the relationship between psoriasis and stroke risk.
METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases for observational studies published through December 2024 that evaluated stroke risk in psoriasis patients. Studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines, and data were extracted on patient characteristics, study design, and adjusted risk estimates.
RESULTS: A total of 18 studies involving 705,602 psoriasis patients and 17,971,569 controls were included. Using a random-effects model, the overall pooled hazard ratio (HR) for stroke in psoriasis patients was 1.24 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.15-1.35, P <.05). When stratified by disease severity, mild psoriasis had an HR of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02-1.16), whereas severe psoriasis showed a higher risk with an HR of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.21-1.53). Regional analyses indicated increased stroke risk in Asia (HR = 1.08), Europe (HR = 1.26), and North America (HR = 1.49). Age subgroup analysis further supported a consistent association across different age groups.
CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis indicates that psoriasis is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, particularly among patients with severe disease and older age. These findings highlights the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in individuals with psoriasis. Further research needed to explore the underlying mechanism in this high-risk population.
Intravenous tenecteplase improves functional outcomes but increases hemorrhage risk in non-large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke
Tenecteplase improves stroke recovery but increases bleeding risk in late treatment window
Related in Neurology
Rapid advancements in imaging and blood-based biomarkers are transforming the diagnosis and management of ADRD
New guidelines help doctors tell delirium from dementia
This clinical guideline provides a narrative review on the evolving diagnostic and treatment landscape for Alzheimer's disease and related d…
Delirium is acute and fluctuating; dementia is chronic. New guidelines help doctors tell them apart.
ACTH and vigabatrin achieved full seizure control in a patient with Ververi-Brady syndrome
ACTH and Vigabatrin Show Promise for Rare Epilepsy Syndrome
This case report describes a 5-month-old male infant with Ververi-Brady syndrome and infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. The patient achiev…
A new gene variant linked to Ververi-Brady syndrome showed positive results when treated with a combination of ACTH and vigabatrin.
Aging impacts multiple sclerosis pathobiology by shifting inflammation toward chronic, compartmentalized neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration
New research explores how aging changes multiple sclerosis treatment
This narrative review examines the impact of aging on the immunological and neuroinflammatory microenvironment in older patients with multip…
As people age, multiple sclerosis can change from sudden flare-ups to a slow, steady progression of nerve damage.
Tirofiban Adjunct Therapy Improves Outcomes in Patients with Inadequate Tenecteplase Response
Trial shows tirofiban improves outcomes for some stroke patients
Intravenous tirofiban significantly improves 90-day functional outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients failing initial tenecteplase ther…
A new clinical trial suggests that adding tirofiban can improve recovery rates for certain types of stroke patients who do not respond well …
From Other Specialties
Meningeal Immune System Offers New Target for Glioblastoma Immunotherapy
New approach targets the immune system to treat brain tumors
This systematic review explores how targeting the meningeal immune system, including dural lymphatics and rBAMs, could overcome current barr…
A new strategy focuses on the area where brain tumors meet the body's defenses to improve how immunotherapy works for glioblastoma.
A 6 dimension and 42 item system provides early risk assessment for high-risk diabetic feet
Experts Develop New Risk Assessment System for Diabetic Feet
This expert consultation and guideline describes the development of an early risk assessment system for high-risk diabetic feet. The consens…
A new assessment system identifies risk factors like nerve damage and circulation to help manage and prevent complications in patients with …
Postoperative AKI occurs in half of type A aortic dissection surgeries, meta-analysis finds
Factors Linked to Kidney Injury After Aortic Dissection Surgery
This meta-analysis of 44 studies (11,983 patients) found that 50.72% of patients undergoing surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection de…
Over half of patients undergoing surgery for a specific type of aortic dissection develop acute kidney injury, with several risk factors ide…
Social and emotional skills training shows non-significant reductions in loneliness among children and adolescents
Social and Emotional Training Shows Promise for Youth Loneliness
This meta-analysis of 18 studies evaluated interventions targeting loneliness, including social and emotional skills training, in youth aged…
New research looks at how social and emotional skills training can help reduce feelings of loneliness in children and teenagers.