Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Selected Echocardiographic Parameters in Male Patients with Psoriasis

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease. METHODS: This single-center observational study assessed cardiovascular risk factors in 77 adult male patients with psoriasis compared with a control group. All participants underwent echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.062), elevated C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.001), and more frequent hypertension (p = 0.001). Past and current smoking was significantly more common in the psoriasis group (p < 0.05). Echocardiographic parameters were generally higher in psoriasis patients, particularly the left atrial volume index (LAVI) (median 23.72 vs. 19.5 mL/m2; p < 0.01) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (median 99.84 vs. 93.70 g/m2; p < 0.05). Subclinical cardiac damage occurred more frequently in psoriasis patients (OR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.39-9.1), remaining significant after adjustment for hypertension, smoking, and BMI (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.07-7.83). Logistic regression indicated that cardiac damage was associated with age, hypertension, and antihypertensive use. Psoriasis independently increased the risk of subclinical cardiac damage after adjustment for age and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis should be screened early for cardiovascular disease and preventive strategies introduced to reduce long-term risk.