Severe and predominantly active atopic eczema is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes, says a study published in The BMJ, online May 23, 2018. In the study, patients with severe atopic eczema were at a 20% increased risk of stroke, 40-50% increased risk of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular death and 70% increased risk of heart failure.