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World J Exp Med. Dec 20, 2025; 15(4): 107425
Published online Dec 20, 2025. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v15.i4.107425
Psoriasis and atrial fibrillation: Exploring the intersection
Hitaishi Mehta, Smriti Gupta, Juniali Hatwal, Aalam Sohal, Akash Batta, Bishav Mohan
Hitaishi Mehta, Department of Dermatology, Sohana Hospital, Mohali, Punjab 140308, India
Smriti Gupta, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Centre Midtown Campus, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
Juniali Hatwal, Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
Aalam Sohal, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States
Akash Batta, Bishav Mohan, Department of Cardiology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India
Author contributions: Mehta H, Gupta S, Hatwal J, Sohal A, Batta A, and Mohan B contributed to the conception, literature review, and writing of the manuscript; Mehta H and Gupta S drafted the initial version; Batta A and Mohan B critically revised the cardiovascular content; all authors reviewed, approved the final version, and are accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the work.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Akash Batta, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Tagore Nagar, Civil Lines, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India. akashbatta02@gmail.com
Received: March 24, 2025
Revised: May 15, 2025
Accepted: August 13, 2025
Published online: December 20, 2025
Processing time: 271 Days and 11.9 Hours
Abstract

This review explores the emerging connection between psoriasis and atrial fibrillation (AF), focusing on shared inflammatory mechanisms, clinical implications, and research gaps. Psoriasis, characterized by chronic systemic inflammation, has been associated with increased AF risk, driven by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These inflammatory mediators contribute to atrial remodeling, fibrosis, and conduction abnormalities, evidenced by prolonged P-wave dispersion and atrial electromechanical delay in psoriasis patients. Severe psoriasis further exacerbates atrial dysfunction, increasing susceptibility to AF. This review synthesizes existing epidemiological and biological data, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary management of psoriasis patients to mitigate cardiovascular risks. However, the reliance on observational studies limits definitive conclusions about causality. We emphasize the necessity for large-scale, multicenter research to validate these findings, investigate genetic predispositions, and evaluate lifestyle factors and AF burden. Future research should aim to delineate the pathophysiological link between psoriasis and AF. By examining the interplay of systemic inflammation, electrophysiological changes, and clinical outcomes, this review aims to advance understanding of the psoriasis-AF link and guide strategies for early detection, prevention, and management of AF in psoriasis patients. Comprehensive care integrating dermatology and cardiology is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Psoriasis; Atrial fibrillation; Inflammation; Cytokines; Cardiovascular disease; Biologic therapies

Core Tip: Emerging evidence indicates an intricate link between psoriasis and atrial fibrillation (AF) with a heightened risk of AF amongst psoriatic patients compared to general population. Although the exact mechanisms remain elusive, the role of chronic systemic inflammation is central to the pathogenesis of AF in psoriasis. By examining the interplay of systemic inflammation, electrophysiological changes, and clinical outcomes, this review aims to advance understanding of the psoriasis-AF link and guide strategies for early detection, prevention, and management of AF in psoriasis patients.