Psoriasis severity linked to rising risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/aha-psl041116.php

Public Release: 14-Apr-2016
Psoriasis severity linked to rising risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms
American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report
American Heart Association

Psoriasis sufferers may face a higher risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms, according to new research in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, an American Heart Association journal.

The study also found that the more severe the psoriasis, the greater the risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease -- a condition in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells -- characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy and scaly. AAA is an enlargement of the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, and usually causes no symptoms until it ruptures, which could prove fatal.

"Psoriasis must be considered as a systemic inflammatory disease rather than an isolated skin disease. Increased awareness on heightened risk of other cardiovascular diseases, including AAA, in patients with psoriasis is also required," said Usman Khalid, M.D., lead author and Ph.D. fellow in the Department of Cardiology, at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital in Denmark.

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