Hypertension Associated with RA and OA Save

While hypertension and arthritis are very common disorders, the association between them is unclear.  Analysis of NHANES data suggests that both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are strongly associated with hypertension (HTN).

The NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) of non-pregnant adult, aged ≥ 20 years examined data 48,372 eligible participants between 1999–2018.

From this cohort 48% had HTN and 24.5% had self-reported arthritis.

Having HTN was associated with arthritis [OR = 2.90; CI: 2.74–3.07), p < 0.01], which remained significant [OR = 1.27; 1.18–1.37), p < 0.01] after adjustments.

HTN was significantly associated with RA (OR = 1.25; 1.11–1.41), p < 0.01] and OA (OR = 1.32; 1.16–1.50); p < 0.01], but the association between HTN and OA was lost in adults > 60 years old [OR = 1.08; 0.92–1.26); p = 0.37].

Beyond epidemiologic implications and the need to screen for HTN in arthritis patients, the reason for a HTN association in both inflammatory (RA) and noninflammatory (OA) conditions is unclear.