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- Page navigation anchor for RE: Predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease is influenced by the risk equation adoptedRE: Predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease is influenced by the risk equation adoptedIt was with interest that I read Gray et al’s work investigating the differences between cardiovascular disease risk equations in identifying ‘high risk’ individuals.1 The authors emphasise shortcomings of these scores, in particular the hazard of underestimating the risk in young males.1I wish to highlight an emerging, important risk factor that general practitioners should be aware of. Patients with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis have been shown to be at increased risk of experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events. Odgie and co-authors recently reported a large cohort study using data from the Health Improvement Network (THIN) in the UK, between 1994 and 2010.2 Patients with psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis were at increased risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. This risk persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and traditional risk factors. These findings are consistent with several previous population-based studies.3,4In summary, cardiovascular risk should be addressed in all patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.References1. Gray BJ, Bracken RM, Turner D, et al. Predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease is i...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.