Heart Disease and Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding Risk Factors and Implications
In a series of recent studies, the association between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been confirmed. PsA, an inflammatory form of arthritis that can affect the skin and joints, has been identified as a significant risk factor for CVD.
A 2016 meta-analysis highlighted that patients with PsA have a higher overall risk of CVD compared to the general population. This increased risk is primarily driven by the underlying inflammation in PsA, which contributes to vascular damage and atherosclerosis.
Moreover, a 2025 review emphasized the recognized link between PsA and cardiovascular comorbidities. It discussed how certain treatments for PsA, such as steroids, can increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and causing the body to become less sensitive to insulin.
The connection between PsA and CVD is further confirmed by a network meta-analysis published in 2025. This study examined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and thromboembolism risk in PsA patients treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It reported slightly increased cardiovascular and thromboembolism events associated with specific therapies, underscoring the connection between PsA, its treatments, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Inflammation in the sacroiliac joints, a common symptom of PsA, has been associated with increased aortitis, a known predecessor of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, people with PsA are more likely to have traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
However, it's important to note that certain treatments for PsA, such as biologics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), can not only ease joint pain but also protect the heart because they lower inflammation. A doctor can prescribe medications to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels for those living with PsA.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have recognised PsA as a risk enhancer for heart disease, and they released new guidelines in 2019 for preventing heart disease that include PsA and other rheumatic inflammatory diseases. Regular screening for heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and excess body weight, is recommended for individuals with PsA.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that people with PsA have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish but low in red meat and sugar, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and making changes to dietary patterns and certain daily habits can help reduce PsA symptoms and improve heart health. Regular screening and careful management of risk factors, along with appropriate treatment for PsA, are crucial for promoting better overall health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
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- The studies confirm that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it a significant risk factor.
- A 2016 meta-analysis showed that patients with PsA have a higher overall risk of CVD compared to the general population, primarily due to vascular damage and atherosclerosis caused by underlying inflammation.
- In a 2025 review, it was discussed how certain treatments for PsA, like steroids, can increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and causing insulin resistance.
- Results from a network meta-analysis in 2025 indicate slightly increased cardiovascular and thromboembolism events in PsA patients treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
- PsA patients are more likely to have traditional heart disease risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
- Biologics, DMARDs, and certain other treatments for PsA can not only alleviate joint pain but also protect the heart by lowering inflammation.
