Psoriasis in Greater Context
December 28, 2011
Psoriasis is a well-known skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Psoriasis sufferers have skin cells that rise to the surface too quickly, leaving insufficient time for old skin cells to slough off, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells. While it is known that the condition may be triggered by abnormal signals from the body’s immune system, new findings place the disease in a greater context. According to a growing body of evidence, psoriasis is being linked with heart and blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat). It may be that the chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis may also play a role in stroke and atrial fibrillation.
P.S. Due to the suspected link mentioned above, psoriasis sufferers may want to check with their primary care doctors about having their overall cardiovascular health checked.
The Villages Office