Studycentre

A study that followed over half a million people for about 5 years has indicated that psoriasis may increase the chances of getting a heart attack. The risk of a heart attack was related to the severity of psoriasis in people. The overactive immune system that triggers psoriasis can cause inflammation which can further infiltrate the arteries of the heart. As per the IMA, patients with one illness may be stricken by another condition which may seem unrelated and sometimes more serious. This is known as a ‘shadow disease’.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition affecting the skin and causes red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silvery scales. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakes a normal skin cell for a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that cause overproduction of new skin cells. It occurs in about 30 per cent of patients with psoriasis and precedes the skin manifestations in 15 per cent of patients.

Prevention tips

• Stress can have a negative impact on people with psoriasis. The body tends to have an inflammatory reaction to stress in turn leading to a flare-up.
• Some medications can interfere with the body’s autoimmune response and cause inflammation, thus triggering psoriasis.
• Prevent skin injuries to the skin can trigger psoriasis in some people. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon.
• Being overweight appears to make psoriasis symptoms worse. Thus, it’s important to manage your weight by exercising and eating a healthful diet.

 — Indian Medical Association