From Heart to Joints: Exploring the Link between Cardiovascular Disease Risk and the Onset of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal conditions, encompassing muscle, bone, joint, and connective tissue impairments, profoundly impact movement and affect an astonishing 1.71 billion individuals worldwide. The prevailing research has unveiled a remarkable association between various risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, and the development of musculoskeletal conditions. Astonishingly, cardiovascular disease risk has also been linked to the emergence of musculoskeletal disorders, including the well-known carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which occurs when a major nerve in the hand becomes compressed as it travels to the wrist.

To better comprehend the underlying risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal conditions, in-depth investigation becomes crucial to inform the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies. In a recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers conducted a meticulous analysis of epidemiological data, shedding light on the connection between cardiovascular disease risk and four common musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Sameer Chaudhari, a cardiologist with Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in Monroe, North Carolina, who was not involved in the study, discussed the broader implications, stating, “Cardiovascular health generally is indicative of overall health as it does correlate inflammation, physical activity, stress, and other diseases. They can contribute or accelerate the development of each other.”

The study encompassed an examination of healthcare data from 1,224 workers across diverse fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, office jobs, and food processing. With an average age of 42 years, 66% of the participants were female. The data analysis involved a comprehensive range of evaluations, including physical examinations, structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, nerve conduction studies, and the assessment of four common musculoskeletal conditions: carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), rotator cuff tendinopathy, lateral epicondylopathy (also known as ‘tennis elbow’), and medial epicondylopathy (also known as ‘golfer’s elbow’).

Additionally, the researchers considered individualized measurements of job-related physical factors and administered questionnaires to gather demographic variables, such as medical conditions, hobbies, and exercise habits. The participants’ cardiovascular risk was assessed based on factors like age, tobacco use, diabetes, and treated and untreated hypertension. Notably, the cardiovascular risk scores did not include cholesterol or BMI. Over a period of nine years, participants were regularly monitored for the development of musculoskeletal symptoms on a monthly basis.

The findings of the study revealed that individuals with a 15% higher than average risk of cardiovascular disease were four times more likely to develop one or more musculoskeletal disorders compared to those with a lower risk. Furthermore, the same group exhibited a staggering 17-fold increase in the likelihood of developing four or more musculoskeletal disorders.

When discussing the potential reasons behind the increased risk, Dr. Chaudhari pointed out, “This could be multifactorial. For example, increased cardiovascular diseases have a direct correlation with increased inflammation within the body, which itself can provoke musculoskeletal injuries or inflammation. Also, prolonged physical stress, suboptimal working conditions, and neglect can lead to both groups of disorders.”

Dr. Jonathan Fialkow, a cardiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, also emphasized the interplay between musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular risk factors, stating, “Perhaps those with these common musculoskeletal disorders also may have less physical fitness and poorer diets, which may also cause increased cardiac risk factors. Maybe they are more likely to get musculoskeletal issues due to lack of activity, or, conversely, they have [musculoskeletal] disorders so are less physically active.”

Furthermore, Dr. M. Ramin Modabber, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, California, added, “Better cardiovascular function leads to better oxygen and growth factors as well as healing capacity that help the body repair when under stress.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health to mitigate the risk of wear and tear conditions like rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, and golfer’s elbow.

Despite these insightful findings, it is important to note that the study indicates a correlation rather than causation. Further research is needed to determine whether increased cardiovascular risk directly contributes to musculoskeletal risk or if both conditions arise from an underlying process, such as inflammation. Dr. Heather Shenkman, an Interventional Cardiologist and Formulator at 1MD Nutrition, highlighted the limitation of the study, stating, “One major limitation is that the participants were limited to only a few sectors of the workforce from 17 different facilities. Construction, for example, a job that involves physical strenuous activity, was not a job that was included in the study.”

In light of these findings, it becomes imperative for companies to prioritize the cardiovascular health of their employees, given that cardiovascular risk factors heighten the chances of developing musculoskeletal problems. Regular check-ups and cardiac risk assessments for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions are also crucial for early intervention and the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that musculoskeletal conditions can arise from various factors, and individuals who are physically active and lead healthy lifestyles may also be susceptible to such issues, especially as they demand more from their tissues than their healing capacity can manage as they age.