Osteoporosis and cardiac remodeling in middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Bone Metabolism
• Gerontology

Background:

• Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prevalent, particularly in aging populations.
• The intricate relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and cardiac structure/function requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between BMD and cardiac parameters in a cohort study.
• To identify potential shared pathophysiological mechanisms linking bone loss and cardiac remodeling.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 1233 participants from the Osteoarthritis and Cardiovascular Health Cohort.
• BMD assessed using T-scores and categorized into normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.
• Cardiac structure and function evaluated via echocardiography, measuring parameters like left atrial volume index (LAVI) and relative wall thickness (RWT).
• Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

• Osteoporosis was associated with significantly higher LAVI and RWT compared to normal BMD.
• Lower BMD (T-score) was independently and inversely associated with LAVI and RWT after multivariable adjustment.
• These associations were more pronounced in women and in participants under 50 years of age.
• No significant associations were found with left ventricular mass index, ejection fraction, or diastolic function.

Conclusions:

• Reduced BMD is independently associated with left atrial enlargement and increased cardiac ventricular wall thickness.
• These findings suggest shared underlying mechanisms contributing to both bone loss and cardiac remodeling.
• Further research is warranted to explore these interconnected pathophysiological pathways.