Cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis: A casecontrol study

Recent studies suggest that psoriasis may be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia have been reported in patients with psoriasis Certain risk factors for cardiovascular diseases may be more prevalent among patients with psoriasis 3,4. The aim of this study was to define the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in patients with psoriasis in Iran . Twentyfive patients (13 female and 12 male) over 18 years old with active plaque psoriasis regardless of its severity who were treated with psoralenultraviolet A (PUVA) in Imam Reza Dermatology Clinic were enrolled in this study. After obtaining medical history taking and performing full physical examination, blood pressure, weight, and height of thee particinpants were measured. Then, their body mass index (BMI) was calculated and recorded. The control group consisted of 25 healthy individuals who were age and sex matched. The patients who were pregnant, and those with a history of any systemic disease or under systemic medications were excluded from the study.