Interview by Sabine Mack – for the July 2026 edition of Mgo Medizin
Why Dermatologists Should Keep an Eye on the Heart
The relationship between skin diseases and cardiovascular health is receiving increasing attention as evidence continues to demonstrate that many dermatological conditions are manifestations of systemic disease. In this expert interview for mgo medizin, Prof. Dr. Carmen Sălăvăstru discusses the growing importance of cardio-dermatology and explains why dermatologists should adopt a more holistic approach when caring for patients with inflammatory skin disorders.
Drawing on her experience as co-editor of the Springer textbook Skin and the Heart and as a leading expert in medical dermatology, Prof. Sălăvăstru highlights the association between chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and increased cardiovascular risk. She also addresses practical aspects of patient management, including the selection of biologic therapies in individuals with pre-existing cardiac disease, recognition of cutaneous signs that may indicate underlying cardiovascular pathology, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists and cardiologists.
The interview offers valuable insights for clinicians, emphasizing that the skin can provide important clues to systemic disease and that early recognition of cardio-cutaneous associations can improve both diagnosis and patient outcomes. As dermatology continues to evolve beyond the treatment of skin lesions alone, Prof. Sălăvăstru advocates for an integrated approach that considers the patient as a whole, reinforcing the essential connection between skin health and heart health.
You can read the complete article here