A chronic autoimmune condition, Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is certainly no fun, especially when it really starts to hurt! From bothersome inflammation to pain and pesky stiffness in the joints, PA can impact people of all races and ethnicities, but may be especially problematic for Black sufferers. And we’re talking symptoms and complications, beyond the typical joint pain and purple-brown flakes.
This unique set of challenges and complications may even require specialized attention and care, and can hit you when you least expect it.
Here are five lesser-known complications that impact Black individuals with PA, and some ways you can manage them!
1. High Cholesterol
I’m sure you’ve heard of high cholesterol, which can lead to all kinds of issues. Turns out, Black individuals with psoriatic arthritis are at a higher risk of dealing with high cholesterol levels, and from there, problems like strokes, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and hypertension can all result.
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If this complication goes unnoticed, it may especially lead to serious issues. To combat high cholesterol, it’s crucial that you adopt heart-healthy habits such as consuming a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, getting some good ol’ exercise, and, if necessary, taking prescribed medicines for getting those levels down, like statins and fibrates.
Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is important and can be done with fairly simple blood tests. Always check in with your healthcare providers before trying to do anything yourself or about any questions concerning healthy and unhealthy habits.
2. Depression
We all experience the blues from time to time, and that’s no biggie.
But sometimes the chronic pain and discomfort of PA can take a significant toll on one’s mental health, and y’all are no exception. Depression is a common yet often overlooked complication of PA, with studies indicating that Black patients may be particularly susceptible to these issues.
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It’s essential if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once liked, and changes in sleep or appetite, to get help from professionals. There’s no shame in it – that’s why they’re there! Therapy, support groups, and medication can all help a ton in treating depression and improving how you feel overall.
3. Eye Problems
Psoriatic arthritis (PA) can affect the eyes in many ways, causing things like inflammation, redness, and other weird disturbances. Turns out, Black individuals with PA are even more likely to develop eye conditions beyond these, such as glaucoma and conjunctivitis.
This is why regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist are so important. They’re great for early detection and getting these issues under control before they get out of hand. As always, you should also practice good eye hygiene. Try to abstain from eye rubbing and definitely wear protective eyewear when necessary, especially when you’re somewhere where you may get irritated.
As with all these conditions, prompt treatment and consistent monitoring are key. With a proactive approach, you can help preserve vision and keep greater damage from occurring.
RELATED: Psoriatic Arthritis Complications More Likely to be Found in Black Patients
4. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is actually a fairly common comorbidity – or coexisting condition – of PA. Unfortunately, Black individuals are disproportionately impacted by PA-related high blood pressure as well. If left uncontrolled, this problematic hypertension can seriously increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious problems.
What can you do?
The first obvious thing is to make lifestyle modifications. These include maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on salt (I know it’s tasty!), getting in some exercise, and keeping your stress down when you can.
In some cases, medication may be the best option to get your blood pressure under control. Be sure to check your blood pressure regularly with a cuff, note what makes it increase or decrease, and always speak to your doc about any issues or concerns.
5. Type 2 Diabetes
Last but not least is Type 2 diabetes, which also often coincides with psoriatic arthritis in Black folks. With diabetes, your inflammation and joint symptoms may actually get worse. This is why it’s important to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular exercise, of course, is also important. Always monitor your blood sugar levels, take any prescribed medications, and don’t forget to get regular check-ups about both your PA and diabetes.
Overall, addressing these complications requires that you have a team around you. That means everything from rheumatologists for your PA to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and other specialists if necessary.
By taking a solid lifestyle approach combined with necessary medications, you can get your PA under control and address these associated conditions without having to severely sacrifice your daily life. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about!
