BAD SKIN IS LINKED TO FATTY ARTERIES
Psoriasis, a disease causing patches of red, scaly skin, affects 1.3 million in the UK. Those with severe psoriasis have on average a reduced life expectancy of five years due to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr Justine Hextall at the West Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust explained: 'Patients with psoriasis generally have some of the same risk factors as those with heart disease - for example, they are more likely to be overweight, take less exercise, smoke, have high cholesterol and raised blood pressure. So what can be done? Anyone with psoriasis should consult their GP or dermatologist. Psoriasis can be treated and so help prevent cardiovascular disease.'
