Why this study matters

CVD accounted for one-third of deaths globally in 2019. Like obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias, and diabetes, patients with arthritis are at increased risk for CVD and death secondary to CVD.

Patients with arthritis who have clinically silent CVD should be screened for risk factors, most of which are treatable.

Study design

A total of 13,776 participants from the 2017-18 Australian National Health Survey were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. The following data were measured or based on self-report: hypertension; height; weight; arthritis; dyslipidemia, and diabetes.

Logistic regression was used to demonstrate the association with arthritis and CVD risk factors, and the PAF was calculated.

Results and conclusion

Of young (18-39 years), middle-aged (40-64 years), and elderly adults (> 65 years), 4%, 28.8%, and 54.4% self-reported arthritis, respectively.

Young, middle-aged, and elderly patients with arthritis were more likely to have the following treatable CVD risk factors: obesity (2.07-, 1.75-, and 1.89-fold, respectively); diabetes (5.70-, 1.64-, and 1.37-fold, respectively); hypertension (2.72-, 1.78-, and 1.48-fold respectively); and dyslipidemias (4.64-, 2.14-, and 1.22-fold, respectively).

The PAF for one or more CVD risk factors among middle-aged and elderly patients with arthritis was 30.7% and 70.4%, respectively.