Health Central reports on understanding psoriatic arthritis and it's potential complications according to experts including Melanie H. Smith, MD, PhD, rheumatologist at HSS. 

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis usually linked with psoriasis. The cause of PsA isn’t yet known, but researchers believe factors such as genetics, gut biodiversity, lifestyle factors (smoking), and the environment may all play a role.

Dr. Smith explained metabolic syndrome (excess abdominal weight, high triglycerides, low HLD, elevated blood sugar and high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease are the most common complications of PsA that she sees in her practice.

“Psoriatic arthritis is associated with metabolic syndrome and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease,” she explained. The increased risk of cardiovascular disease is due to more than untreated inflammation, Dr. Smith believes. “Something beyond inflammation is going on with psoriatic arthritis and cardiovascular health because cardiovascular issues are more associated with psoriatic arthritis than rheumatoid arthritis—another type of inflammatory arthritis,” she said.

Treating PsA does decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, Dr. Smith explained. She said that it is also very important to stay on top of your overall health maintenance, making sure that a whole person approach to treatment is happening. “This relationship to cardiovascular disease also speaks to the importance of smoking cessation,” said Dr. Smith.

Read the full article at healthcentral.com.