Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis in obese population of Hail region, Saudi Arabia

J. Alanazi, A. Unnisa, R.D. Patel, R. Itumalla, M. Alanazi, T.N. Alharby, S.B. Jandrajupalli, T. Hussain, B.A. Elamine, O.A. Mohamed

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, KSA. Khushiazeez@yahoo.co.in

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• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Obesity
• Public Health

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze if there was a link between chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoarthritis (OA), and obesity in the population of Saudi Arabia’s Hail region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted over 12 months using an observational cross-sectional survey on 172 patients from five clinics in Hail, Saudi Arabia. A total of 172 individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) finally participated in this research. The study evaluated sociodemographic variables via an electronic questionnaire with voluntary participation.

RESULTS: The study found a 76% prevalence of joint pain and 77.9% prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities. Patients with CVD were older (58±23 vs. 56±12 years) than those with OA. CVD cases were found in 42 (31.3%) males and 92 (68.7%) females, whereas OA cases were recognized in 24 (18.5%) males and 106 (81.5%) females. The occurrence of various CVDs among our participants was 43 (32%) for high cholesterol, 64 (48%) for hypertension, and 27 for both high cholesterol and hypertension (20%). Definite osteophytes were found in 28 of 24 male knees (14 right and 14 left knees) and 175 of 106 female knees (88 right knees and 87 left knees).

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity in the Hail region has continued to be a risk factor for CVD and OA in 2019 and 2020. The Saudi population has shown a higher prevalence of radiographic evidence of OA of the knee and associated symptoms than western civilizations, and preventive interventions are desperately needed in order to minimize overweight and obesity.

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