Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity increased in psoriatic arthritis

[D Foster]

The research that I can find is below and included many other types of problems such as spondylarthropathy patients, particularly ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis so not just PsA. This I would suggest sways the figures as it is not only PsA.

Objective

To evaluate the cardiovascular risk profile of spondylarthropathy patients, particularly ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

Methods

A pub med literature search was performed to collect English-language articles for this clinically orientated review. Studies were selected if they included (cardiovascular) mortality and morbidity and/or data about cardiovascular risk factors in spondylarthropathies.

Results

Ankylosing spondylitis as well as psoriatic arthritis appear to be associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Several factors, ie, smoking, altered lipid profile, hypertension, increased fibrinogen level, enhanced number of platelets, and hypercoagulability might explain the enhanced cardiovascular risk. Moreover, a decline in physical activity, the presence of HLA-B27, and inflammation may play a role. Finally, undertreatment of cardiovascular morbidity also may contribute to the higher cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions

The available data indicate an increased cardiovascular risk in spondylarthropathy patients, particularly those with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

Relevance

Rheumatologists should be aware of the enhanced cardiovascular risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. If modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are identified, treatment could ultimately result in a lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.