Cardiovascular Disease Awareness in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Knee Osteoarthritis

Comparison of Cardiovascular Disease Awareness in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still the most common cause of death. For these reasons, individuals, especially those with chronic diseases, need to be aware of CVD. CVD is also a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to compare CVD awareness in RA and knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Patients who apply to our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic and are followed up with the diagnosis of RA and (KOA) will be screened. Demographic values such as age, gender, height, weight, smoking and alcohol use, diseases and medications used, cardiovascular disease awareness will be assessed with the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRF-KL), exercise levels with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and nutritional habits with the Nutrition Attitude Scale (NAS). Cardiovascular risk calculation will be made with the Framingham Risk Score. It will also be ensured that patients with high risk are directed to the relevant branches. In addition, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), which is a prognosis indicator for cardiovascular diseases, will be performed. All surveys will be filled out in both groups and compared in terms of cardiovascular risk awareness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 40 and over
• Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who cannot ambulate
• Patients who cannot be evaluated due to cognitive reasons
• Those who are not receiving enteral nutrition or whose general condition is so poor that they cannot exercise