Mark* thought managing his psoriatic arthritis was enough—until his labs told a different story.

For years, Mark did everything he could to keep his psoriatic arthritis under control. He took his medications, went to medical appointments, and didn’t use tobacco products. He figured that as long as his joints weren’t flaring, he was doing okay.

But as we reviewed the labs from his annual checkup, the numbers weren’t what he wanted:

📉 His good cholesterol was low.
​📈 His A1c was in prediabetes territory.
​ 🔥 His inflammation markers were elevated.

Mark absorbed this information, talking aloud as he was thinking: “I know I could eat better, but who couldn’t? I could go to the gym more, but I go a couple of times weekly, which is more than some people. I guess my sleep isn’t great all the time, but I haven’t changed anything since I saw my last doctor, and I think I pretty much do all the right things. So how is this happening?”

The truth is, psoriatic arthritis doesn’t merely affect the joints and skin—it significantly raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction.

And many patients, like Mark, don’t realize it, because they don’t feel it.

Why Psoriatic Arthritis Increases Your Risk for Heart Disease & Diabetes

Most people think of psoriatic arthritis as a joint disease, but it’s a full-body inflammatory condition. The same chronic inflammation that attacks the joints and skin can also damage blood vessels, disrupt metabolism, and increase cardiovascular risk.

Similar patterns of disease have been seen in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis conditions, as well as in other autoimmune diseases.

🔹 Chronic inflammation damages blood vessels – Over time, inflammation impacts artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
🔹 Psoriatic arthritis disrupts metabolism – Studies show that people with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to develop insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
🔹 Certain medications contribute to weight gain & insulin resistance – Some steroids and biologic therapies can impact metabolism and blood sugar regulation.
🔹 Fatigue & joint pain make lifestyle changes harder – When you’re exhausted or in pain, exercise and meal prep feel overwhelming, making it easier to slip into unhealthy patterns.
🔹 Psoriatic arthritis nearly doubles the risk of heart disease – Research has shown that even when symptoms are controlled, people with psoriatic arthritis are still at a much higher risk for cardiovascular complications.

For Mark, his autoimmune disease wasn’t the only battle he needed to fight.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Heart & Metabolic Health

If you have psoriatic arthritis, or another autoimmune disease, you need to be as proactive about your heart and metabolic health as you are about managing the autoimmunity. Here’s where to start:

✅ Get routine metabolic screenings – Ask your doctor for an initial panel that includes:

• Blood glucose levels
• Cholesterol profile
• Inflammation markers
• Bone marrow assessment
• Liver and biliary health
• Kidney health
• Thyroid health

✅ Prioritize anti-inflammatory nutrition – Focus on:

• Healthy fats (omega-3s from salmon, nuts, seeds)
• Fiber-rich foods (leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries)
• Minimizing processed foods, artificial or natural sweeteners, and industrial seed oils

✅ Move your body in ways that feel good – If high-impact workouts are too hard, try:

• Walking after meals to improve blood sugar control
• Strength training to boost metabolism
• Stretching to reduce stress and inflammation

✅ Work with a licensed, board-certified health professional who understands both autoimmune and metabolic health – Many focus on one or the other, but you need a plan that addresses both.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you have psoriatic arthritis or another autoimmune disease, remember your heart and metabolic health need as much attention as your other symptoms.

🔹 Share this email to help others with psoriatic arthritis take proactive steps for their long-term health. Because managing your autoimmune disease is important—but protecting your whole body is essential. 💙

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To Your Health,

Amy Loden Tiffany, MD

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*Name changed to protect privacy.

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