Association between angina pectoris and back pain in a cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

Introduction: Prior studies have shown an association of atherosclerosis with lumbar disc degeneration and spondylosis. Patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis may present clinically with angina pectoris (AP). However, it is unknown if there is an association of AP with lumbar disc degeneration, The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with AP have a higher prevalence of back pain. Methods: Analysis was focused on respondents to back pain items of the 2018 Medicare Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Odds ratios were calculated, and logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic, education, occupation, cardiovascular and mental health conditions. Results: Of 1,063 respondents, 455 (43 %) reported back pain. Amongst the respondents, 43 % of male respondents and 45 % of female respondents had back pain. Mean age of respondents was 62.6 ± 16.1. Back pain was more prevalent in those with depression (p < 0.05). On univariate analysis, depression (OR = 1.80 [95 % CI 1.53–2.12] p < 0.001) and AP (OR = 1.45 [95 % CI 1.11–1.90] p = 0.007) were significantly higher in those with a back pain. Multivariate analysis revealed that AP was independently associated with increased odds of back pain after controlling for confounders (OR = 1.34 [95 %CI 1.02–1.79], p = 0.038). Conclusions: In this study, AP was independently associated with 34% increased odds of having back pain. Further study into the musculoskeletal manifestations of atherosclerosis may offer additional insights into the treatment of prevalent conditions such as back pain.

Keywords

• Back pain
• Spine
• Lumbar spine
• Lumbar disc
• Degenerative lumbar disease
• Angina pectoris