Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kaltenbach, A.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Osteoarthritis
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis ] Medical University of Graz; 2010. pp.102.
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Glehr Mathias
- Leithner Andreas
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: Joint disorders and cardiovascular risk factors are among the most common medical conditions in our society. The aim of the study was to identify whether those entities are related to each other. Furthermore, it was investigated in which way these patients are supported by their general practitioner. Additionally, it was analyzed whether psychological comorbidities come along with joint disorders. Material and Methods: This study was a part of the multicentered European Practice Assessment (EPA) of cardiovascular risk management. Several tools were used in order to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors. In total, 38 Austrian general practitioners recruited 1118 patients who were divided into 3 groups according to their cardiovascular risk profile. The general practitioner filled in a questionnaire concerning important medical data on the patient. The cardiovascular risk was calculated on the basis of the SCORE risk chart established by the European Society of Cardiology. In addition to the EPA tools, Austrian patients were asked to complete the Oxford Knee and Hip Score questionnaires in order to evaluate their functional joint status. Statistical evaluation was performed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: Only half of the general practitioners (GP) had documented in their charts that their patients suffered from pain to their knee or hip in the past four weeks. Patients with a higher GP consultation frequency had a lower risk of a cardiovascular event. There were significant differences in age, gender, BMI and functional joint status between the three cardiovascular risk groups. BMI is a good predictor for the knee function. There were no significant correlations between joint disorders and cardiovascular risk as well as lifestyle factors. Still, there was a significant correlation between joint disorders and depression. Conclusions: The data showed that communication between GP and patient could be improved. GPs provide suitable medical care for cardiovascular risk patients. It could not be proven that joint disorders could also result in a higher cardiovascular risk profile. Further research on this subject needs to be conducted.