Psoriasis Linked to Poor Blood Pressure Control

People with severe psoriasis may have more problems with controlling high blood pressure, a new study suggests. Psoriasis causes scaly patches on the skin. Earlier research showed that people with this condition were more likely to have high blood pressure. The new study looked at more than 13,300 adults with high blood pressure. About 1,300 of them also had psoriasis. Uncontrolled high blood pressure was defined as readings of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher. Researchers adjusted their numbers to account for health conditions and other factors that affect blood pressure. They also accounted for people’s use of blood pressure medicines. They found that people with severe psoriasis had a 48% higher risk of uncontrolled high blood pressure than those without it. The increased risk was about 20% for those with moderate psoriasis.