amplify each other, according to researchers.
4. Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, increased waist circumference, elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance, and elevated blood fats.
A study published in the journal Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia shows that people with psoriasis are nearly six times more likely to have metabolic syndrome. You can lower your risk of metabolic syndrome by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet low in saturated fats and exercising.
5. Heart Disease
According to a study published in April 2021 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people with psoriasis are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease because inflammation can damage arteries.
If you have psoriasis, remember to monitor your heart health and take steps to lower your risk of heart disease.
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6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The inflammation often associated with psoriasis can affect the lungs. This raises your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a group of lung conditions that block airflow and make it hard to breathe.
According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, people with psoriasis have a two-fold increased risk of developing COPD, especially if the disease is severe.
If you have psoriasis, you should avoid smoking and lung irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. All of these factors contribute to COPD risk. If you are at risk, consider asking your doctor to test you for reduced lung function.
7. Cancer
Because psoriasis alters your immune system and increases inflammation, you will have a slightly higher risk of developing cancers such as non-melanoma skin cancer, lymphoma, and lung cancer, according to a study published in May 2020 in the journal Expert Review of Clinical Immunology.
The researchers cited “chronic low-grade inflammation” as one potential reason for the link, along with certain behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use that tend to be more common in people with psoriasis. Another culprit may be psoriasis medications.
There is a connection between psoriasis and a number of other chronic conditions, however, these complications are not inevitable.
The good news is, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by working closely with your healthcare providers and monitoring your condition before it progresses into something more serious.