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Osteoporosis, osteopenia, and atherosclerotic vascular disease

Wilbert S Aronow1

  • 1Divisions of Cardiology, Geriatrics, and Pulmonary/Critical Care, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.

Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|February 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Older women with low bone mineral density (BMD) face higher risks of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Managing osteoporosis and osteopenia is crucial for preventing cardiovascular events in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Low bone mineral density (BMD) is prevalent in older women.
  • Atherosclerotic vascular disease, including coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, poses significant health risks.
  • The relationship between BMD and cardiovascular health requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between low bone mineral density (BMD) and atherosclerotic vascular disease in older women.
  • To explore the link between low BMD and specific cardiovascular conditions like obstructive coronary artery disease and aortic valve calcification.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from three coronary angiographic studies.
  • Review of existing research on BMD, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

  • Older women with low BMD exhibit a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic vascular disease compared to those with normal BMD.
  • Low BMD is significantly associated with obstructive coronary artery disease.
  • Low BMD correlates with stress test-induced myocardial ischemia, reduced exercise capacity, and aortic valve calcification.

Conclusions:

  • Women diagnosed with osteoporosis face an elevated risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis and osteopenia should incorporate measures to mitigate cardiovascular event risk.
  • Maintaining bone health is integral to cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.

Keywords:
atherosclerotic vascular diseasebone mineral densitycoronary artery diseasemyocardial ischemiaosteopeniaosteoporosis

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