Metabolic syndrome and its factors are associated with noncalcified coronary burden in psoriasis: An observational cohort study

Background Psoriasis is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and its individual components. Objective Investigate the impact of MetSyn and its components on early coronary artery disease assessed as non-calcified coronary burden (NCB) by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in psoriasis. Methods This cross-sectional study consisted of 260 participants with psoriasis and CCTA results. MetSyn was defined according to the harmonized International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results Of the 260 participants, 80 had MetSyn (31%). The MetSyn group had a higher burden of cardiometabolic disease, systemic inflammation, NCB, and high-risk plaque. After adjusting for Framingham risk score, lipid-lowering therapy, and biologic use, MetSyn (β=0.31; p Limitations Observational nature with limited ability to control for confounders. Conclusions In psoriasis, those with MetSyn had more CVD risk factors, systemic inflammation, and coronary plaque burden. Efforts to increase MetSyn awareness in psoriasis should be undertaken to reduce the heightened CVD risk.