Severe Psoriasis Linked to Higher Risk for Stroke

Looking at the UK General Practice Research Database, a University of Pennsylvania researcher noted a slightly increased risk for stroke among those with severe psoriasis. The numbers amounted to one additional stroker per 530 patients per year, not a large number but about a 6% increased risk vs. those without psoriasis. The increased risk was not associated with any particular treatment used. The reason for the association is unknown, but may lie in the common feature of psoriasis, acute myocardial infarction and stroke which is excess inflammation.