Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by scaly skin patches that can be itchy and painful. It affects about 3% of the world’s population.
While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is known that genetics, the immune system, and environmental factors can all play a role in the development of the disease. New research has suggested that hypertension, or high blood pressure, may also be linked to an increased risk of developing psoriasis.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when your heart is at rest. Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 or lower, while hypertension is considered to be a reading that is consistently above 130/80.
The Link Between Hypertension and Psoriasis
A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that individuals with hypertension were more likely to develop psoriasis than those without hypertension.
The study followed over 200,000 people for 10 years and found that individuals with hypertension were 1.2 times more likely to develop psoriasis than those without hypertension.
While the exact mechanism behind this link is not yet understood, it is believed that hypertension may trigger or exacerbate the immune system dysfunction that leads to psoriasis.
Hypertension has also been linked to other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, further supporting the idea that there may be a connection between hypertension and psoriasis.
The Importance of Managing Hypertension
Managing hypertension is important not only for reducing the risk of psoriasis, but also for reducing the risk of other health complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing sodium intake, and quitting smoking can all help to manage hypertension. In some cases, medication may also be necessary.
Treating Psoriasis and Hypertension Together
If you have both psoriasis and hypertension, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses both conditions.
Some medications used to treat hypertension, such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. However, other medications such as calcium channel blockers may actually improve psoriasis symptoms.
Additionally, lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress can help to improve both hypertension and psoriasis.
It is important to work with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about both conditions to develop an effective treatment plan.
Conclusion
While the link between hypertension and psoriasis is not fully understood, new research suggests that individuals with hypertension may be at an increased risk of developing psoriasis.
Managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication may not only reduce the risk of psoriasis, but also reduce the risk of other health complications. If you have both hypertension and psoriasis, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses both conditions.