Comparison of cardiovascular diseases risk awareness, physical activity, nutritional habits and cardiovascular risks in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis and knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

Background and Objective Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are associated with increased cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk. Although lifestyle factors have been studied in these patients, data directly comparing CVDs risk awareness between RA and KOA remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare CVDs awareness, physical activity, nutritional habits, and cardiovascular risk factors between female patients with RA and KOA. Methods Female patients aged ≥40 years with RA, diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR-classification criteria, or KOA, diagnosed according to the ACR-classification criteria, were enrolled. Demographic data and comorbidities were recorded. CVDs risk awareness was assessed using the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL) Scale, physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form, eating habits using the Nutrition Attitudes Scale (NAS), and CVDs risk using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Results The study was completed with 60 RA and 60 KOA patients. Age, weight, and presence of diabetes were significantly higher in KOA group (p < 0.001, p = 0.032, and p = 0.039,respectively), and exercise habits were significantly lower in RA group compared to KOA group(p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between the CARRF-KL and NAS groups (p = 0.629, p = 0.094, respectively). In contrast to exercise habits, IPAQ scores were significantly lower in KOA group than in RA group(p = 0.019). Furthermore, the FRS was significantly higher in KOA group (p = 0.026). Conclusion Although CVDs risk awareness was similar between RA and KOA patients, cardiovascular risk was higher in KOA group. Assessment of cardiovascular risk and lifestyle-related factors may contribute to improved preventive strategies in these patients.