Investigation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rosacea Patients

Objective: Rosacea is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease affecting the face. The role of chronic inflammation is known in the development of many diseases, especially cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease in rosacea patients. Material and Methods: This study included 97 rosacea patients and 93 healthy volunteers. Patients in the rosacea and control groups were examined for demographics, medical history and the presence of associated cardiovascular disease risk factors. Laboratory investigations including fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels were recorded in the rosacea and control groups. Results: Body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and C-reactive protein levels were higher in the patient group. Obesity, prediabetes, family history of premature cardivascular disease and high C-reactive protein levels in the patient group was significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference between patient and control groups in terms of age over 65 years old, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking and alcohol consumption. Conclusion: In this study, significant cardiovascular disease risk factors such as a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, obesity, prediabetes and high C-reactive protein levels were found to be higher in rosacea patients. Although the underlying mechanism is not clear, it is thought that chronic inflammation and disregulation of innate immune system increase risk of cardiovascular disease in rosacea patients