Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Literature Review to Determine the Causal Relationship

Psoriasis is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease characterized by erythematous, scaly patches over extensor aspects of skin and is associated with joint involvement in about one-third of patients. An association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been a topic of dilemma, and many studies have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with psoriasis. There is increasing evidence that psoriasis is associated with higher risk of CVD and increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, as compared with the general population. We provide an extensive review of the literature and adhere to Gordis guidelines to show a positive association between psoriasis and cardiovascular events.