R-R interval analysis in moderate psoriasis

Recent evidences highlight a link between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, psoriasis seems to represent an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction; this risk is higher in young patients affected by severe psoriasis. The reasons for this relationship have not been completely cleared, in particular for what concerns the role of the autonomic nervous system. To investigate the role of autonomic nervous system on the increased cardiovascular risk in psoriatic patients. A total of 40 patients, aged between 18 and 35, were enrolled. Twenty-six of them, affected by moderate psoriasis, were negative for metabolic syndrome criteria and had no other comorbidities. Twenty-seven were healthy controls. In all subjects we recorded digital ECG (XAI-MEDICA) for 10 min in rest condition. We analyzed recorded data with Cardiolab software for HRV linear analysis (spectral analysis) and also with KUBIOS-HRV software for the HRV non linear analysis (Poincarè plot and Detrended fluctuation analysis). Our results showed a reduction in parasympathetic activity proportional to the increase of the sympathetic activity on the sinus node; this condition exposes psoriatic patients to a higher cardiovascular risk.