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Is There a Link Between Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis - Ozark Orthopaedics - NW Arkansas

Is There a Link Between Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis?

Is There a Link Between Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis?

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are both age-related conditions associated with high morbidity, mortality, and disability.

In the past, they were treated as two separate conditions, often related to age-related changes and other factors. However, there’s an increasing body of evidence showing a relation between the two.

How they are related

Researchers found that both conditions shared similar risk factors. These include aging, smoking, obesity, and low physical activity.

The exact shared pathophysiology between the two is unclear but one mechanism researchers are looking into is the role of circulating cytokines/substances that regulate both cardiovascular and bone health.

Osteoprotegerin or OPG, for instance, is shown to be elevated in both diseases. This cytokine plays an important role in regulating both vascular and bone metabolism.

What does this mean to you?

If you have a family history of heart disease and a woman, you may want to ask your doctor about getting a bone density test. Your doctor can also recommend how often you should get tested.

Our doctors at Ozark Orthopaedics have years of experience diagnosing and managing osteoporosis. To request an appointment, please call (479) 521-2752.