Background Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterized by increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [1]. However, data about clinical features of PsA related to adverse cardiovascular events in this population are limited.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate disease related factors associated with coronary heart disease’s (CHD) manifestation in patients with PsA.

Methods 52 patients with PsA according to CASPAR criteria without clinical features of cardiovascular diseases were involved in the study. Screening for cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease was performed at baseline and after 6 to 12 month of observation. PsA activity assessment was performed by standard procedures (disease activity score (DAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)).

Results After 6 to 12 month of observation a new onset CHD was recorded in 15 patients (angina pectoris in 10 patients, atrial fibrillation in 2 patients, myocardial infarction in 2 patients and sudden cardiac death in one man). Conventional cardiovascular risk factors (higher age, higher arterial blood pressure, and higher body mass index – BMI) were clearly associated with a CHD development.

After matching for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, the following parameters were found to be associated with a new onset CHD: higher disease activity, earlier arthritis onset, and longer disease duration (table 1).

Conclusions Higher activity of PsA, earlier disease onset and, consequently, longer disease duration associates with an exceeded risk of CHD in PsA patients independently from convectional cardiovascular risk factors.

1. Gladman DD, et al. Arthritis Rheum 1998;41:1103-10.

Disclosure of Interest None Declared