Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, increased waist circumference, elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance, and elevated blood fats. Combined, these factors up your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious health problems.
According to a review, an estimated 20 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis are affected by metabolic syndrome, and the risk of having this health issue increases with the severity of the psoriasis.
Whether psoriasis predisposes people to metabolic syndrome or vice versa isn’t clear. But experts stress that it’s especially important for people with psoriasis to do all they can to lower their risk of metabolic syndrome, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a varied diet low in saturated fats, and getting plenty of exercise.
4. Heart Disease
There is strong evidence linking severe psoriasis with an increased risk of heart disease.
That risk can increase further if you have additional common risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, and obesity. So if you have psoriasis, you should consider a cardiovascular disease prevention strategy part of your psoriasis treatment and management.
“Chronic inflammation has long been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke,” says Kevin Campbell, MD, a cardiologist at HealthFirst in Melbourne, Florida. That’s because inflammation can damage arteries.
If you have psoriasis, it’s important to monitor your heart health and take steps to lower your risk of heart disease. “I make the point of saying the first-line treatment for psoriasis is diet and lifestyle,” says Dr. Treloar.
5. Sleep Disorders
A review found that sleep disorders, which can have a significant impact on physical and psychological health, are common in people with psoriasis.
The researchers noted that sleep apnea is prevalent among people with psoriasis, affecting an estimated 36 to 82 percent. They also found that people who have psoriasis have an increased risk of insomnia and restless legs syndrome.
And the relationship goes both ways, according to the review: Sleep disorders increase your risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety, which are all comorbidities of psoriasis.
The researchers stress the importance of assessing and addressing sleep problems if you have psoriasis, because early detection and treatment can greatly affect quality of life. For instance, the review notes, research has shown that treatment of sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to an improvement in psoriasis lesions and a reduction in inflammation.
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The inflammation associated with psoriasis can affect the lungs and raise the risk of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a collective term for a group of lung conditions that block airflow and make it hard to breathe.
According to a research review, a number of studies have shown that COPD, asthma, and other lung conditions are common in people with psoriasis. And even people with mild cases of psoriasis have an increased risk of developing COPD.
Another study found that people with psoriasis were more likely to have COPD than those without psoriasis. The rate of COPD was 9.64 percent in study participants with psoriasis and 6.94 percent in those without. However, psoriasis did not appear to be an independent risk factor for COPD.
Lung diseases can have a negative effect on quality of life for people with psoriasis, and COPD — like other comorbidities of psoriasis, such as sleep apnea and high blood pressure — can have a big impact on your overall health and life span. Because of this, it’s important for anyone with psoriasis to be screened for lung issues and get treatment if necessary.
People with psoriasis should also avoid lung irritants, such as smoking and exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust, which all contribute to COPD risk.
And doctors should test at-risk people early for reduced lung function.
7. Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye that causes pain, redness, and blurry vision. If untreated, it can lead to vision loss. It’s estimated to occur in 7 to 20 percent of people who have psoriasis. The likelihood tends to be higher in people who have both psoriasis and PsA, but there’s growing evidence that psoriasis alone, without PsA, is associated with an increased risk of uveitis.
The link between psoriasis and uveitis isn’t yet fully understood. More research needs to be done. But researchers note that regular eye exams are crucial for people who have psoriasis, even when there aren’t any symptoms of eye or vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help decrease systemic inflammation and may help improve both psoriasis and uveitis.
8. Cancer
“Psoriasis alters your immune system in such a way that overall inflammation is increased, which can slightly increase your risk of developing cancers,” says Stephanie K. Fabbro, MD, a dermatologist at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.
Researchers cite “chronic low-grade inflammation” as one potential reason for the link, along with certain behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol use, that tend to be more common in people with psoriasis. They also note there’s a possibility that some psoriasis medications might be involved.
9. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Research suggests that psoriasis is significantly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
One review of medical literature notes that a “shared genetic background” is likely at work, but genetics is just one piece of the puzzle. Changes in the intestinal microbiota may also be involved.
According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, the rate of IBD is higher in participants with psoriasis than in those without the condition. The rate of psoriasis was 3.6 percent in those with Crohn’s disease and 2.8 percent in those with ulcerative colitis. Moreover, the rate of psoriasis was 6.7 percent in those with IBD treated with anti-TNF agents and 3.1 percent in those not treated with biologics. And it appears that as the severity of psoriasis increases, so does the risk of IBD development.
Experts recommend people with psoriasis who have bowel symptoms to consider seeing a gastroenterologist.
The Takeaway
Although there appears to be a connection between psoriasis and a number of other chronic conditions, these complications are not inevitable.
By managing your psoriasis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lower your risk of developing other conditions.
Emotional support and mental health care can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in people with psoriasis, fostering a better quality of life.
Always consult a healthcare professional if you experience any new or worsening symptoms related to psoriasis. Many associated conditions, like uveitis and COPD, require prompt attention.
