Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease Link Not Clearly Recognized by Patients
Study Found Only 44 Percent Reported Received Adequate Education About Increased Risks
Patients with poorly controlled moderate to severe psoriasis are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, yet the link is often underrecognized and undertreated, according to a study conducted by Michelle Sikora, SOM Class of 2025. The findings were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, in March.
“Understanding patient perspectives and identifying barriers to education is essential for designing better, more accessible tools and strategies. Our goal was to ensure that patients are not only informed but also empowered to manage their long-term health risks,” says Sikora, who conducted the study with researchers from New York University.
Over six months, the researchers distributed a 108-item survey to patients receiving care at a psoriasis specialty and phototherapy clinic. Only 44 percent of patients reported receiving any education about the link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease, and just 29 percent found that information easy to understand.
The researchers were also struck by how strongly participants preferred dermatologists as a source of information—not only about psoriasis but its cardiovascular risks—giving them the highest rating, even above primary care physicians and cardiologists.
“These preferences highlight both the opportunity and responsibility for dermatologists to engage more broadly in systemic health education,” says Sikora. “Interestingly, factors that are often considered barriers—such as time for appointments, transportation, language, and cost—were not perceived as major obstacles by participants. This suggests that the real gap may lie in the structure and delivery of information, rather than access alone.”
To help close the gap, Sikora emphasized the importance of collaboration across specialties. “A multidisciplinary approach is critical,” says Sikora. “When dermatologists, primary care providers, and cardiologists communicate and collaborate, patients are more likely to receive a comprehensive understanding of their cardiometabolic risk. This coordination improves patient knowledge and helps empower individuals to take an active role in their health. For clinicians, engaging in even brief but clear conversations across specialties can bridge the education gap. For patients, asking questions and seeking information from different providers can lead to more proactive care.”
