Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disorder, caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of function.

While OA is typically considered a localized joint disease, it has been increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder that can adversely affect other organs and systems in the body. One such connection is between hip/knee osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease.

What is Osteoarthritis?

OA is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 32 million adults in the United States. It is marked by the breakdown of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions the joints, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and eventually loss of function.

OA can occur in any joint, but most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, hands, and spine.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to any disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. This can include conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

CVD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 31% of all global deaths in 2015.

The Link between Osteoarthritis and Cardiovascular Disease

Several studies have shown a link between OA and CVD. While the exact mechanisms underlying this connection are still unclear, researchers have proposed several possible explanations.

1. Inflammation

Both OA and CVD are characterized by inflammation, and it is possible that the chronic inflammation associated with OA contributes to the development of CVD.

Inflammation in the joints can lead to inflammation elsewhere in the body, including in the blood vessels, which can contribute to plaque buildup and increased risk of heart disease.

2. Shared Risk Factors

There are several common risk factors for both OA and CVD, including obesity, physical inactivity, and aging. These shared risk factors may contribute to the development of both conditions.

3. Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery, which is often used to treat severe OA, has been linked to an increased risk of CVD. This may be due to the stress that surgery puts on the heart or the increased risk of blood clots associated with surgery.

4. Analogous Pathogenesis

Recent evidence has shown that the pathogenesis of OA and CVD may share common features such as oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and metabolic dysfunction.

Thus, it might be possible that the development of OA predisposes the individuals to the development of CVD through these shared pathogeneses.

5. Pain and Disability

Pain and disability associated with OA can lead to physical inactivity, which is a well-known risk factor for CVD. Additionally, chronic pain itself, such as that associated with OA, can contribute to the development of CVD.

Conclusion

While the connection between OA and CVD is still not well understood, the evidence suggests that there is a clear link between the two conditions.

Because of this link, individuals with OA should be monitored for cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health. Similarly, individuals with CVD should be screened for OA, particularly those who have risk factors such as obesity or a history of joint injury.

By identifying these connections and intervening early, we may be able to improve outcomes for both conditions.