GLP-1RAs and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Psoriasis
In this interview, Ana Ormaza Vera, MD, discusses a study she presented at the American College of Cardiology's 74th Annual Scientific Session & Expo on March 29, 2025, in Chicago, IL. Dr Ormaza Vera reviews the potential cardioprotective role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in patients with psoriasis. She highlights why this is a particularly relevant area of research, what clinicians should take away from recent findings, and where further investigation is needed.
Reference:
- Ormaza Vera A, Osorio MF, Olexson M, et al. Major adverse cardiovascular events are less frequent in psoriasis patients starting GLP-1RA compared to controls: An observational retrospective cohort study. Paper presented at: American College of Cardiology's 74th Annual Scientific Session & Expo; March 29-31, 2025; Chicago, IL. Accessed March 20, 2025. https://accscientificsession.acc.org/
Consultant360: Your presentation explores the association between GLP-1RAs and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with psoriasis. What are the key themes of your presentation?
Ana Ormaza Vera, MD: The presentation explores the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with psoriasis. It highlights the potential cardioprotective benefits of GLP-1RAs in this population, considering the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among psoriasis patients.
C360: Why is this topic particularly relevant right now?
Dr Ormaza Vera: Advances in genetics, immunology, and epidemiology have redefined psoriasis as a systemic inflammatory condition associated with obesity, diabetes, and a life expectancy of 5 years less than that of persons without psoriasis. Given the role of obesity in fueling inflammation in psoriasis, weight reduction has emerged as a fundamental therapeutic strategy. Studies have demonstrated that weight loss mitigates disease severity, enhances treatment response, and reduces cardiovascular risk in affected individuals. These benefits are particularly relevant for psoriasis patients who often have an increased prevalence of these cardiovascular risk factors.
C360: What are the most important takeaways for clinicians in practice?
Dr Ormaza Vera: In this study, GLP-1RAs were associated with a lower incidence of 3-point MACE in patients with psoriasis compared to controls, providing preliminary evidence of their potential role in MACE prevention among this population. While the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1RAs in psoriasis are largely attributed to weight loss, emerging evidence suggests these agents may also have direct anti-inflammatory properties, which could partially explain our findings. However, lifestyle interventions—including diet and physical activity—remain the foundation of cardiovascular risk reduction and should be prioritized as the first-line approach.
C360: What gaps in knowledge remain, and what are the areas for future research?
Dr Ormaza Vera: Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms linking psoriasis to an increased risk of MACEs and to identify potential treatments that may help mitigate this risk. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate cardioprotective therapies for MACE prevention in psoriasis patients, incorporating large sample sizes, extended follow-up periods, and diverse patient populations.