The possible influence of osteoarthritis of the knee on the accumulation of coronary risk factors in postmenopausal obese women

Summary Objective This cross-sectional study was designed to clarify the association between osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) and coronary risk factors in postmenopausal obese women. Subjects The subjects consisted of 72 postmenopausal obese women (mean age 60.3 ± 7.6 years) with coronary risk factors. They were divided into two groups; including the OAK group and the normal knee (control) group. Methods Aerobic capacity was evaluated by maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max ) estimated from the nomogram of Åstrand and Ryhming. Daily activity was measured by a single-axis accelerometer. Results After adjusting for the age, the OAK group ( n = 37) showed significantly higher obesity indices, the number of coronary risk factors, incidence of Metabolic Syndrome, a lower aerobic capacity and a lower daily activity than control group ( n = 35). After adjusting for the age, body weight and body mass index, the OAK group with a high waist circumference, a low V ˙ O 2 max and low mean total energy expenditure showed a significantly higher number of coronary risk factors than the control group with a low waist circumference, high V ˙ O 2 max and high total energy expenditure. Conclusion These results suggest that OAK was therefore associated with the aerobic capacity, daily activity and Metabolic Syndrome, and it may indirectly influence for the development of the future coronary heart disease in postmenopausal obese women.