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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
[Aortic calcification and the risk of osteoporotic fractures]
Daniel Périard1, Antoine Folly, Marie-Antoinette Rey Meyer
1Service d'angiologie et de médecine interne, HFR Fribourg, Hôpital cantonal.
Insights
Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis share risk factors and may have a common cause. This review explores recent research on the link between these two widespread diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Bone Metabolism
- Geriatric Medicine
Context:
- Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are prevalent chronic conditions.
- Epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between these diseases.
- Existing risk factors like age, diabetes, and smoking are common to both.
Purpose:
- To review recent research on the potential common pathogenic links between osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
- To highlight the clinical and economic burden of managing these diseases separately.
- To explore the implications of a shared etiology for future treatment strategies.
Summary:
- Recent studies suggest a potential common pathogenic mechanism linking osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, beyond shared risk factors.
- Investigating this link is crucial given the significant healthcare costs associated with cardiovascular events and osteoporotic fractures.
- Despite epidemiological correlations, these conditions are seldom managed concurrently.
Impact:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on the osteoporosis-atherosclerosis connection.
- It underscores the need for integrated management approaches for these comorbid conditions.
- Findings may inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting shared pathways.
Abstract:
Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis seem to be epidemiologically correlated. Several medical conditions are risk factors for both osteoporosis and atheromatosis (i.e. age, diabetes, end stage renal disease, sedentarity, smoking), but a common pathogenic link may be present beyond this. The burden of cardiovascular events and of osteoporotic fracture is considerable for the health care system in term of costs and resources. However, both diseases are rarely managed together. This article is a review of the recent studies in this new field.
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