ATOPIC DERMATITIS (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with increasing prevalence worldwide. While systemic inflammation in other dermatological diseases such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa has been strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the association in AD remains less well established. To address this uncertainty, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess cardiovascular risk in adults with AD compared with healthy controls.
The study included 100 participants, comprising 50 patients with AD and 50 matched controls, with no significant differences in age, sex, or sociodemographic characteristics between groups. A comprehensive evaluation was performed, including lifestyle and dietary assessments, physical examinations, and cardiovascular and metabolic measurements.
The results revealed that patients with AD displayed a less favourable cardiovascular risk profile. They had significantly higher body mass index (27.2 versus 24.6) and waist circumference, particularly among women, compared with healthy individuals. Lifestyle analysis showed poorer adherence to the Mediterranean diet and greater sedentary behaviour in the AD group. These factors were reflected in metabolic markers, with patients showing higher glucose and triglyceride levels.
Cardiovascular measurements further highlighted this increased risk. Blood pressure values, including systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure, were all significantly higher in the AD cohort. Cardiac output was also elevated, and pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial stiffness, trended higher though did not reach statistical significance.
These findings suggest that adults with AD may be predisposed to a higher cardiovascular risk, likely due to the combined effects of systemic inflammation, lifestyle factors, and metabolic changes. The results underline the importance of incorporating cardiovascular risk assessment into the routine management of AD, alongside targeted lifestyle interventions to improve diet and reduce sedentary habits. By addressing these modifiable factors, clinicians may help mitigate long-term cardiovascular complications in patients with AD.
Reference
Sanabria-de la Torre R et al. Cardiovascular disease risk among patients with atopic dermatitis: a case-control study. Abstract 3856. EADV Congress 2025, 17-20 September, 2025.
