This study showed independent associations of atherosclerosis with osteoarthritis of the knee and hand joints in women. The evidence was most solid for a relation with DIP osteoarthritis. More research is needed to confirm the associations and examine the differential association with various joints.

In this large population-based study, participants with OA were not at increased risk of CVD. The close relation between disability and osteoarthritis may explain previous findings. Further studies are required in order to clarify whether OA patients need more intensive treatment of their cardiovascular risk factors.

In this population-based study, CAC and VEGF were not associated with the presence or progression of knee OA. Only among women, plasma levels of CD40L and VCAM-1 were higher in individuals with knee OA compared with those without knee OA. This might suggest an association between atherosclerosis and knee OA through low-grade systemic inflammation in women.

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