Psoriasis and its relationship with metabolic syndrome

Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of suffering from the so-called metabolic syndrome.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a visible disease (generally red marks appear on the elbows, nails, knees and scalp) that can cause a deterioration of self-esteem and a very great impact on the psychosocial sphere of the patient. It affects approximately 3% of the population. It is not contagious, it usually has a hereditary tendency and it is common for psoriasis patients to get worse in times of emotional stress.

More than a skin disease

Psoriasis can be accompanied by rheumatism or arthropathy. It causes pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the joints of the hands, feet, or spine. Additionally, psoriasis has been shown to cause inflammation throughout the body that appears to be responsible for an increased tendency to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, or disease.

In general, patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of suffering from the so-called metabolic syndrome.

What is metabolic syndrome?

The metabolic syndrome is the combination of obesity with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia (increased fat in the blood). Its main cause is a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy one, with excess fats and sugars. Its frequency in developed countries has increased in a very worrying way, affecting practically half of the adult population.

The one that causes metabolic syndrome is the one that people who accumulate fat (in the abdominal waist) present, since it is capable of producing hormones (adipokines) responsible for promoting inflammation and altering metabolism. For this reason it is so important to control the abdominal girth since when it exceeds 94 cm in men or 80 cm in women, the risk of suffering from metabolic syndrome increases.

People with metabolic syndrome have a high risk of developing, that is, of having a heart attack or a.

Why is psoriasis associated with metabolic syndrome?

The answer to this question is not yet clear. Some research concludes that there is a genetic association between both diseases. Others have shown that psoriasis is capable of causing inflammation throughout the body that can lead to changes in metabolism. Other authors believe that severe psoriasis leads to a sedentary lifestyle, with social or inhibition, and that this same lifestyle is associated with unhealthy dietary habits.

What should a psoriasis patient do?

Currently, psoriasis can be treated with many types of medications or phototherapies. Although it is not curable, the patient can control the disease well enough to lead a normal life.

However, the patient must be aware that psoriasis leads to a tendency to obesity and cardiovascular diseases, so he must pay attention to habits: follow a healthy diet and avoid gaining weight, and keep regular check-ups up to date. blood pressure, glucose and lipids with the primary care physician.