Profiling heart disease risk factors in osteoarthritis: multi-joint symptoms and sex

Evidence is emerging that osteoarthritis (OA) is a risk factor for later heart disease (HD), particularly for women, and those with multi-joint OA. Important biologic mechanisms likely relate to inflammation. We will investigate the profile of HD risk factors (biological/self-reported) in OA, hypothesizing these will differ by sex and multi-joint status. There are also data on joint symptoms indicative of OA. Our investigation will consider individuals with ‘possible-OA’ as well. Improving overall risk-stratification for HD for people with OA is important for enhanced approaches to prevention and treatment and will lay groundwork for further investigation into the mechanisms of the association of OA, HD, and potentially other conditions of aging.