Hotline Archive - Is There a Link Between Arthritis and Cardiovascular Disease?
November 1994
At the American Heart Association's 67th Scientific Sessions in Dallas, investigators have reported that arthritis may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Edward F. Philbin, MD, and colleagues from the Mary Imogene Bsscett Hospital in Cooperstown ascertained cardiac risk factors in a group of 50 patients - 4 with rheumatoid arthritis and 46 with osteoarthritis compared to 23 non-arthritic "controls". Two-thirds of the patients were scheduled for joint replacement, and one-third "medical" therapy.
The authors noted that patients with arthritis were heavier, had a Breather waist-to-hip ratio, higher systolic blood pressure, increased blood glucose, and lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than the control group. Re-evaluation at one year showed no change in the risk profile.
They concluded that arthritis increased the risk of cardiovascular diseace, perhaps due to reduced physical activity secondary to the underlying rheumatic condition. Furthermore, Philbin suggested that these patients may not receive adequate cardiac rii factor reduction, since physicians may not encourage physical exertion.
This study has investigated a small number of heterogeneous patients for a short period of time. Whether a control group was adequately matched for other variables such as family history, tobacco use, pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, and amount of exercise is unclear, thus complicating the interpretation of the data. Additionally, the severity, functional class, and radiographic stage of the arthritis group is not reported.
These results do not suggest that arthntis increases the likelihood of developing cardiac risk factors or cardiovascular disease. While the importance of risk factor reduction in all patients with arthntis is obvious, these results should be viewed cautiously.
Prepared by Paul Katz, MD, and Robert Thoburn, MD, editors.
November 16, 1994
This Hotline is provided by the American College of Rheumatology Commlmications and Marketing Gronp as an informational service for members. This Hotline does not represent a postion statement of the College.
