Cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis under systemic treatment. PSO-RISK, descriptive study.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in psoriasis has not been studied in large Spanish samples.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of major CVRFs in psoriasis patients requiring systemic treatments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study in psoriasis patients from 33 hospital dermatology offices throughout Spain. Blood pressure (BP) was measured and a fasting lab test was performed. Each CVRF was diagnosed according to the recommendations of international societies.

RESULTS

In 368 patients (mean age 48 years old, 36% women), 80.2% had at least one CVRF. The prevalence of each CVRF was similar in men and women and slightly higher in patients with psoriatic arthritis and in patients with a history of more severe disease. The percentage of patients treated with drugs to control CVRF was low (∼ 50% of those with each CVRF). A total of 20.7% had experienced some cardiovascular disease (CVD) episode.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CVRF was high, higher than in the general Spanish population, and 20% had already suffered CVD. However, the percentage with drug treatments for CVRF was low.