Postgraduate Researchers in Science Medicine Conference 2005: Abstracts
Self-reported arthritis and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors
Alexandra Clarke (MSc), Roger Harrison (PhD), Peter Elton (FFPHM) and Deborah Symmons (MD FRCP)
Arthritis is a major cause of morbidity. Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increased prevalence of coronary heart disease ( CHD). Objective: To examine the relationship between health and lifestyle factors, arthritis and CHD at the population level.
In 2001, a questionnaire was sent to 21,923 adults in Wigan and Bolton. Subjects were systematically selected from the GP register.
Arthritis was determined from a question relating to self-reported illness over the previous year. CHD was determined from positive answers to having had angina, high blood pressure or if a doctor had told them they had had a heart attack.
Response rate was 70.5%, with 54.8% being female. 49.8% of responders were overweight and 14.6% obese. 60% had smoked and 28% were current smokers. 42% reported doing moderate to vigorous activity at least three times per week.
The prevalence of self-reported arthritis and CHD was 29.1% and 29.6% respectively. Increasing age (RR 1.49;95%CI 1.47,1.50) and being female (1.25;1.18,1.32) were independent predictors of arthritis. Overweight smokers contributed the greatest population attributable risk for arthritis (36.6 per 1000 adults) and CHD (41.1).
This study has important implications for public health. Initiatives aimed at the prevention of CHD are likely to benefit some musculoskeletal conditions.
Alexandra Clarke, Division of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, arc Epidemiology Unit, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
Postgrad Talent NW is supported by the NW Regional Hub of the Research Councils’ UK GRAD Programme.
All material is copyright postgrad talent northwest 2004, use of this website is subject to our standard terms & conditions
