Young sufferers of severe cases of the skin condition psoriasis could be at a significantly increased risk of stroke and irregular heartbeat, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal.
Researchers looked at a cohort study of the entire Danish population between 1997 and 2006. For those under 50, mild psoriasis was associated with a 50 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation – abnormal heart-rhythm – and a 97 percent higher risk of stroke.
Under-50s who had severe psoriasis saw their risk of atrial fibrillation shoot up by 198 percent, while risk of stroke increased by 180 percent. In those over 50, the increased risks were considerably smaller.
The researchers note that the study only proves a link, not that one condition causes another.
"Previous research has shown that psoriasis could increase a person’s risk of heart disease and this research seems to suggest that it could also increase a person’s risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke," explained Dr. Sharlin Ahmed with The Stroke Association.
"However, the reasons for this are not known. Psoriasis is a very common condition and the results of this research should not be an immediate cause for concern. Anyone concerned about their stroke risk should speak to their GP [doctor]."