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Association of coronary artery and aortic calcium with lumbar bone density: the MESA Abdominal Aortic Calcium Study

Joseph A Hyder1, Matthew A Allison, Nathan Wong

  • 1Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. jhyder@partners.org

American Journal of Epidemiology
|December 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Lower bone density is independently linked to increased atherosclerosis in women and men. This suggests a potential relationship between bone loss and hardening of the arteries, even after accounting for shared risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Bone Biology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis and osteoporosis share common risk factors, but their independent relationship remains incompletely understood.
  • Investigating the independent associations between bone mineral density and vascular calcification is crucial for understanding these interconnected conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the independent associations between volumetric trabecular bone mineral density (vBMD) of the lumbar spine and coronary artery calcium (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcium (AAC).

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was used to assess vBMD, CAC, and AAC in 946 women and 963 men from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort (2002-2005).
  • Sex-specific regression models were employed, adjusting for a comprehensive list of demographic, clinical, lifestyle, and biochemical factors.

Main Results:

  • After full adjustment, lower vBMD was significantly associated with greater CAC scores in women and greater AAC scores in both women and men.
  • vBMD quartiles showed an inverse association with CAC prevalence in women and AAC prevalence in men after adjustment.
  • Results remained consistent across partially and fully adjusted models, indicating robust independent associations.

Conclusions:

  • Modest yet significant independent associations were found between lower bone mineral density and increased atherosclerosis, specifically coronary and abdominal aortic calcification.
  • These findings suggest a potential shared pathway or independent link between bone loss and the development of atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting bone health and cardiovascular disease.

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