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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Reduced bone mineral density is associated with breast arterial calcification
Jhansi Reddy1, John P Bilezikian, Suzanne J Smith
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 1, 2007
Summary
Osteoporosis and breast arterial calcification (BAC) are strongly linked. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) may indicate a higher risk of vascular disease in women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Bone Metabolism
- Biomineralization
Background:
- Arterial calcification, a key marker of atherosclerosis, involves biomineralization similar to bone formation.
- Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Shared pathophysiology between reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and BAC is hypothesized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between reduced BMD and BAC.
- To explore potential common pathways in bone and vascular calcification.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 228 women with mammography and BMD evaluation.
- Mammograms reviewed for BAC; BMD assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
- Logistic regression models used to analyze the association between reduced BMD and BAC.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of BAC, osteopenia, and osteoporosis was 39%, 42%, and 29%, respectively.
- Women with BAC were more likely to be older, Hispanic, postmenopausal, and have osteoporosis.
- Reduced BMD (OR 3.0, P < 0.01) and osteoporosis (OR 3.5, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with BAC.
Conclusions:
- Osteoporosis and arterial calcification are independently correlated.
- Reduced BMD may serve as an indicator for women at risk of vascular disease.
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