THURSDAY, Nov. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Inflammation caused by psoriasis may trigger changes in a person's cholesterol, including weakening the function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, new research suggests.

The researchers said that, if confirmed, their findings could help explain why people with psoriasis -- a chronic skin condition -- are at greater risk for heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death, especially if the psoriasis is moderate to severe.

"Anecdotally, many researchers have observed that HDL levels may be lower in states of inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and even obesity," study author Dr. Nehal Mehta, director of the Inflammatory Risk Clinic in the preventive cardiology program at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a university news release.

"However, these new findings suggest that in addition to lower levels, chronic inflammation associated with conditions like psoriasis may change the composition and decrease the function of HDL as well," Mehta added.

In the study, the researchers measured cholesterol levels in 78 people with psoriasis and examined the number and size of the cholesterol particles. The results were compared to those of 84 people who didn't have the skin condition.

The investigators found that patients with psoriasis had a greater number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol particles unrelated to other risk factors or obesity. The researchers also noted these particles were smaller.

In a second study, the researchers examined how well the participants' HDL removed cholesterol from cells involved in atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." The findings revealed that having psoriasis was associated with a reduction in the protective benefit of good cholesterol by about 25 percent.

While the study uncovered an association between psoriasis and HDL function, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, and the researchers say more study is needed to confirm the link.

"We've been able to show that psoriasis is an important risk factor for vascular disease, and now we may finally be able to identify and ultimately treat the pathways by which psoriasis increases these risks," senior study author Dr. Joel M. Gelfand, an assistant professor of dermatology and epidemiology, noted in the news release.

The study was presented Wednesday at the American Heart Association annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. Because this research was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about psoriasis.