3 Common Comorbidities in People With Arthritis

Many people with arthritis have other health conditions (known as “comorbid conditions” or “comorbidities”) that can affect their quality of life and influence treatment decisions. In fact, research by the Arthritis Alliance of Canada has found that more than 80 per cent of Canadians with arthritis report having other chronic conditions (1).
As part of arthritis treatment, “We have to be aware of comorbidities and drug side effects, and treat the comorbidities,” says Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Division Head in Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Care in London, Ontario. The following are a few of the health issues frequently seen in people with arthritis.
Hypertension

Many people with arthritis have other health conditions (known as “comorbid conditions” or “comorbidities”) that can affect their quality of life and influence treatment decisions. In fact, research by the Arthritis Alliance of Canada has found that more than 80 per cent of Canadians with arthritis report having other chronic conditions (1).
As part of arthritis treatment, “We have to be aware of comorbidities and drug side effects, and treat the comorbidities,” says Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Division Head in Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Care in London, Ontario. The following are a few of the health issues frequently seen in people with arthritis.

Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common among people who have many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis. Left untreated, hypertension can damage your blood vessels and lead to other health concerns, including heart problems, strokes or kidney failure. If you have both arthritis and high blood pressure, talk to your physician about an appropriate treatment plan. 

Excess Weight
Being overweight is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. Among people who have arthritis, “a high proportion are overweight or obese,” according to The Arthritis Society, a Canadian organization. Excess weight puts further stress on the joints, especially the ankles, knees and hips.

Depression
The impact of arthritis is not only physical. “Clinical depression is increased for all kinds of arthritis,” notes Dr. Pope. According to The Arthritis Society, Canadians with arthritis are three times more likely to report poor mental health or mood and anxiety disorders than people who don’t have a chronic illness, and about a third more likely than people with other types of chronic conditions (2). And, though not diagnosed as clinically depressed, many people with arthritis may still suffer with depressive symptoms due to the pain and potentially debilitating nature of arthritis symptoms.

Focus on Healthy Living
To help prevent comorbidities and lessen the impact of arthritis symptoms, it’s essential to make healthy lifestyle choices. Staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight, which can lower the risk of developing hypertension and other chronic conditions; it also lowers the burden on aching joints. Even modest weight loss can make a big difference – according to The Arthritis Society, losing 10 pounds reduces stress on the knees by 40 pounds.

To get started, check out the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, and talk to your physician about starting a fitness routine.   Relieving osteoarthritis pain with an over-the-counter medication such as TYLENOL® Arthritis Pain can help you stay active. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the suitability of using TYLENOL® Arthritis Pain with medications you may be taking for other conditions.

1. Arthritis Alliance of Canada, The Impact of Arthritis in Canada: Today and Over the Next 30 Years (Fall 2011), 12.

2. The Arthritis Society “Fit for Work” Study: Findings, Challenges for the Future and Implications for Action (Summary Report prepared by the Arthritis Community Research & Evaluation Unit (ACREU), May 31, 2013), 11.

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