Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red & itchy patches on several parts of the skin including knees, scalp, elbows, and trunk. But, its impact is not only limited to just your skin; it can also extend to other parts of the body, as well. In this article, Dr. Megha Chaturvedi, Skin Expert, SRIAAS, tells us how psoriasis can play havoc with our liver, heart, & cause several health issues including diabetes and cardiac problems.
Dr. Megha Chaturvedi says, “Psoriasis can worsen diabetes, cause heart diseases, high blood pressure, and liver diseases.” Due to the stigma attached to psoriasis & the difficulties that might come with it, many patients of psoriasis are at higher risk of developing depression while battling with psoriasis. Besides, psoriasis also increases the risk of liver diseases, heart diseases, eye problems as well as arthritis.
Psoriasis and Liver Diseases
It might seem like there should be a little connection between these two. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where too much fat is accumulated in liver cells. Over time, it will lead to liver cirrhosis & ultimately, liver failure.
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Dr. Megha Chaturvedi says, “However, NAFLD is found in approx. 30% of the whole populace, some evidence suggests it is present in up to half of all individuals having psoriasis. Individuals with psoriasis are more likely to have other conditions – obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or elevated cholesterol, and these conditions also raise the risk of developing NAFLD.”
Both conditions psoriasis & liver diseases are inflammatory conditions. Cytokines is the chemical compound that triggers inflammation in psoriasis condition and it is believed that these also spike cholesterol and blood sugar in the body. This further increases risk of developing fatty liver disease.
Certain allopathic medicines (methotrexate), which are used to treat psoriasis, may cause liver problems.
Psoriasis and Heart Problems
Older adults with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing heart diseases. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, it can trick the body’s immune system which triggers inflammation.
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Inflammation & Heart Disease
Inflammation occurs in several forms and one of them is psoriatic arthritis. You may experience eyelid inflammation and conjunctivitis too. As per experts, people with psoriasis have three times greater risk of heart attack as compared to those without psoriasis. This is because blood vessels become inflamed causing the development of atherosclerosis which is caused when plaque gets accumulated around the artery walls of your heart. This plaque interrupts or slows down the flow of blood to your heart. And this will increase the risk of heart attack & heart disease.
According to Dr. Megha Chaturvedi, one can minimise their risk of heart issues due to psoriasis by taking care of their diet, doing regular exercise and reduce stress. The lesser stress, the lesser risk of heart diseases.
Final Outlook
Understanding psoriasis can help you understand the risk of heart issues. Take risks seriously & pursue a healthy lifestyle by eating well, taking Ayurvedic treatments for psoriasis, getting daily exercise, & reducing stress. Be aware of all the risk factors for heart disease so you can take control of your health.
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