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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Progression of vascular calcifications is associated with greater bone loss and increased bone fractures

M Naves1, M Rodríguez-García, J B Díaz-López

  • 1Bone and Mineral Research Unit, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.

Osteoporosis International : a Journal Established As Result of Cooperation Between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
|January 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Aortic calcifications increase with age and are linked to osteoporotic fractures. Their progression also correlates with bone mineral density loss in the lumbar spine.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Bone Health

Background:

  • Osteoporosis and aortic calcification are common in individuals over 50.
  • The relationship between abdominal aortic calcification progression and osteoporosis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between abdominal aortic calcification progression and osteoporosis in Spanish men and women over 50.
  • To explore the link between aortic calcifications and osteoporotic fractures.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 624 men and women aged 50+ followed for 4 years.
  • Evaluated thoracic and lumbar spine X-rays, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of lumbar spine and hip.
  • Classified abdominal aortic calcifications as absent, mild-moderate, or severe.

Main Results:

  • Aortic calcification prevalence positively correlated with age.
  • Severe aortic calcifications were associated with osteoporotic fractures (OR=1.93), particularly vertebral fractures (OR=2.45).
  • Aortic calcification progression linked to a faster decline in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD).

Conclusions:

  • Baseline aortic calcifications are associated with osteoporotic fractures.
  • Progression of aortic calcifications correlates with decreased lumbar spine BMD.
Abstract

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