In a recent study, people living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who took biologic medications had a 35 percent lower risk of serious heart problems than those using older treatments.

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The findings suggest that biologics could offer important protection against heart attacks and strokes — conditions known to be more common in people with PsA. However, health experts caution that these medications may also raise the risk of infections, underscoring the need for careful monitoring and regular conversations with your doctor.

What Are Biologics and How Do They Work for PsA?

Biologics are a type of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that targets specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation. In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints and skin, causing pain, swelling, and skin symptoms.

Biologics are different from older DMARDs, called conventional DMARDS, because they are made from living cells and focus on specific pathways that drive inflammation. Common biologics used for PsA include:

• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors
• Interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors
• IL-12/23 inhibitors

These medications can help reduce joint pain and swelling, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life for many people. However, because biologics affect the immune system, they can increase the risk of infections.

What Did the Study Find?

The study followed more than 2,300 adults in Taiwan living with psoriatic arthritis. Half of the participants took biologic DMARDs, and half took conventional DMARDs. Researchers looked at major heart-related events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart problems. They also tracked overall death rates and hospitalizations for infections.

Among the study’s key findings:

• People who took biologics had a 35 percent lower risk of serious heart problems (such as heart attacks or strokes) compared to those on conventional drugs.
• Among people already at high risk for heart disease, biologics reduced the risk of death from heart-related causes by 65 percent.
• The risk of death from any cause was 56 percent lower in the biologics group, and death from heart problems specifically was 46 percent lower compared to people taking conventional drugs.
• However, people taking biologics were 45 percent more likely to be hospitalized with infections.

Why Does This Matter for People With Psoriatic Arthritis?

People living with PsA and psoriasis are known to have a higher risk of heart disease compared to people without the condition. Chronic inflammation from PsA may contribute to this risk. Managing inflammation well is an important part of lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems.

This new study supports the idea that biologics may not only help with joint and skin symptoms but also protect the heart. At the same time, it’s important to balance these benefits with the increased risk of infections. Talk with your rheumatologist or healthcare provider about your personal risks and benefits before making changes to your treatment.

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On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you noticed any changes in your heart health since starting treatment for psoriatic arthritis? Let others know in the comments below.