Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints and skin. It occurs in people who have psoriasis, an immune system disorder that causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin.

In some cases, psoriatic arthritis can be accompanied by cardiovascular disease, which can have serious consequences for the patient’s health.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 30% of people who have psoriasis. It occurs when the immune system attacks healthy joints and tissues, resulting in inflammation and pain.

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition and which joints are affected.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can include:.

Joint pain and stiffness
Swollen joints
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue
Tenderness or pain in the tendons or ligaments
Inflammation of the eyes
Red, scaly patches on the skin

What are the Risks of Cardiovascular Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis?

People with psoriatic arthritis are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Several factors may contribute to this increased risk, including:.

Inflammation: The chronic inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries.
Obesity: People with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to be overweight or obese, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure: Psoriatic arthritis can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Dyslipidemia: People with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to have abnormal lipid levels in their blood, which can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

How is Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosed in Psoriatic Arthritis?

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose cardiovascular disease in people with psoriatic arthritis, including:.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can identify abnormalities in heart rhythm or structure.
Chest X-ray: This test can identify enlargement of the heart or other abnormalities in heart function.
Blood tests: These tests can evaluate the levels of lipids and other substances in the blood that may indicate cardiovascular disease.
Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart and can identify abnormalities in heart function or structure.
Coronary angiogram: This test uses a dye and X-rays to visualize the blood vessels of the heart and can identify blockages or other abnormalities in blood flow.

How Can Cardiovascular Disease be Managed in Psoriatic Arthritis?

There are several strategies that can be used to manage cardiovascular disease in people with psoriatic arthritis, including:.

Lifestyle modifications: Changes to diet and exercise habits can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with psoriatic arthritis. This can include reducing salt and saturated fat intake, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking.
Medications: Several medications may be used to manage cardiovascular disease, including statins to lower cholesterol, beta-blockers to reduce blood pressure, and antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat cardiovascular disease, such as angioplasty to open blocked arteries or bypass surgery to create new blood vessels.

Conclusion

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

People with psoriatic arthritis should work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. This may include lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery as necessary.