Eczema and heart disease - scientifically proven association

Eczema can increase the risk of heart disease?

If people suffer from permanent skin redness and scaling of the skin, those affected could be suffering from eczema. Researchers have now discovered that eczema is not only very uncomfortable, it also increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found in their current research that people with severe eczema are at an increased risk for cardiovascular problems. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal British Medical Journal (BMJ).

So-called eczema is a non-infectious inflammatory reaction of the skin. Typically, this condition is manifested by redness and scaly and encrusted skin. (Image: Ольга Тернавская / fotolia.com)

Evidence was so far unclear

It is estimated that about ten percent of the population suffer from so-called atopic eczema. The evidence for a possible link between eczema and cardiovascular problems has not been clear so far, explains study author Dr. Sinéad Langan of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. For this reason, a new study on this topic has now been carried out.

Severe eczema increase your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease

Generally, eczema was associated with a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular effects, the expert adds. In people with severe eczema, even a very high risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease has been identified. It is unclear what exactly lies behind the connection. It remains unclear whether the symptoms are directly related or whether the treatment of eczema could play a role, the researchers explain.

Study analyzed data from more than 1.8 million people

The current study is based on data from hospitals and family physicians. These data came from more than 380,000 adults with atopic dermatitis. In addition, more than 1.5 million adults without eczema were included in the study. Subjects with eczema were compared with up to five similar participants. It was then determined whether there was a link between eczema and diseases such as stroke, heart failure and myocardial infarction.

What increased risks did people with eczema have??

The results of the current study show that individuals with eczema have a slightly increased risk of non-fatal cardiovascular disease, which includes about a 20 percent increased risk of heart failure and a ten percent increased risk of stroke. However, no increased risk of heart attack or cardiovascular death has been found, the physicians add.

Severe eczema have stronger effects

However, in people with severe eczema, the risk of heart attack was 41 percent higher, the increased risk of heart failure was 69 percent, and the risk of stroke was increased by 22 percent. In addition, there was a 38 percent increased risk of premature death from cardiovascular events compared to patients without such eczema.

Family doctors need to be better informed about the risk

People with eczema do not have to panic right now, because the risk for the detected diseases is still relatively low, stress the doctors. However, the study confirms that people with severe eczema are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Although the reasons for this are unknown and the absolute increase in risk is low, GPs should be made aware of the results and look for signs of cardiovascular risks in their eczema patients, the experts explain. (As)