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Bone fragility, sarcopenia and cardiac calcifications in an elderly population: a preliminary study
Carla Caffarelli1, Antonella Al Refaie1, Leonardo Baldassini1
1Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|March 29, 2023
Summary
This study found that higher cardiac calcification (Global Cardiac Calcium Score) is linked to lower bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk in older adults. It also reveals a connection between cardiac calcification and sarcopenia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Osteology
Background:
- Age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia are prevalent.
- Investigating the links between cardiac calcifications, bone mineral density (BMD), fragility fractures, and sarcopenia in the elderly is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between cardiac calcifications (Global Cardiac Calcium Score - GCCS) and BMD, fragility fractures, and sarcopenia in elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- 106 elderly subjects (mean age 70.4 years) underwent Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for BMD and body composition.
- Sarcopenia was assessed using the EWGSOP Consensus criteria.
- Cardiac calcifications were evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography and the Global Cardiac Calcium Score (GCCS).
Main Results:
- Higher GCCS was observed in osteoporotic patients (p < 0.001).
- An inverse correlation between BMD and GCCS was found, particularly in women at the lumbar spine and femoral regions (p < 0.01).
- GCCS was significantly higher in subjects with fragility fractures (p < 0.05) and associated with BMI and ASMM in women, and handgrip strength in men.
Conclusions:
- Confirms a relationship between cardiac calcifications and reduced BMD.
- First study to establish a link between sarcopenia and valvular calcifications.
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