Osteoporosis And Heart Disease: Coronary Heart Disease Linked To Bone Issues Among Elderly

New findings published in Osteoporosis International reveal a link between heart disease and osteoporosis.

Researchers from Southampton's Medical Research Coucil (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit used a state-of-the-art technique called ‘high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography,' to visualize multiple layers of the wrist bone, which is similar to how a 3D printer might build up layers of an object. These cross sectional visuals were also used to assess symptoms of osteoporosis.

During the study, researchers used the technique on 350 men and women between the ages of 70-85 who had enrolled on the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

Findings revealed that cortical volumetric bone mineral density was lower among those with coronary heart disease (or ischaemic heart disease), including angina, heart attack or heart failure. The effect was also more prominent in women than in men.

"The findings highlight the need to evaluate a history of heart disease in the management of osteoporosis in older people and further research is also needed to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms which explain the link between osteoporosis and heart disease," Cooper, who is also the director of Southampton's Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, said in a statement.

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