Background. Psoriasis is a common inflammatory and immune-mediated skin disease. There is growing controversy as to whether cardiovascular risk is elevated in psoriasis. A number of studies suggest a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors as well as cardiovascular diseases in psoriasis patients. Objective. The objective of this study was to estimate cardiovascular risk score in psoriasis patients and the relation between cardiovascular risk and psoriasis features. Cardiovascular risk was assessed by CUORE project risk score built within the longitudinal study of the Italian CUORE project and suited to populations with a low rate of coronary heart disease. Results. A case-control study in 210 psoriasis outpatients and 111 controls with skin diseases other than psoriasis was performed. CUORE project risk score was higher in patients than controls ( versus , ). Compared to controls, psoriasis patients have higher risk of developing major cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular risk was not related to psoriasis characteristics. Conclusion. Increased focus on identifying cardiovascular risk factors and initiation of preventive lifestyle changes or therapeutic interventions in patients with psoriasis is warranted. 1. Introduction Psoriasis is a common inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease [1]. It affects approximately 2-3% of the Western population, with varying prevalence among different ethnic groups and a similar prevalence in men and women [2]. Although psoriasis can present at any age, it has two peak periods of onset: at 15 to 25 years of age (type I psoriasis) and at 40 to 60 years of age (type II psoriasis) [3]. In addition to its cutaneous manifestations, psoriasis has been associated with inflammatory arthritis, depression, anger, anxiety, frustration, and considerable health-related quality of life impairment, which appear independent of objective disease severity [4, 5]. Once symptoms occur, the disease is characterized by a chronic course; spontaneous, long-term remissions occur in a minority of patients. Clinical manifestations are heterogeneous, ranging from limited to very extensive disease [1]. Approximately 80% to 85% of patients have limited skin involvement, whereas 15% to 20% have more extensive skin involvement that may require systemic therapy [6]. The exact etiology of psoriasis is not entirely elucidated; there is strong evidence that the interaction of multiple genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis. As the understanding of psoriasis has evolved, so has the perception of disease
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