A Link Between Heart Disease and Hip Fractures

Heart disease and osteoporosis – bone loss characterized by an increased risk of fractures – have been thought of as independent disorders that are both common in older people. But a new study suggests that various forms of cardiovascular disease actually increase the risk of a future hip fracture.

Earlier studies established that stroke is a risk factor for hip fractures – with the most common explanation being that stroke increases the risk of falls. In this latest study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Swedish researchers analyzed data on 15,968 twins to determine if other forms of cardiovascular disease increase hip fracture risk – and if there is an underlying genetic predisposition for both conditions.

In their analysis, the rate of hip fractures was highest in subjects of both sexes who earlier had been diagnosed with stroke or heart failure, followed by those with ischemic heart disease. The rate was lowest for people without any cardiovascular disease. Among pairs of twins, those free of cardiovascular disease also had an increased rate of hip fracture if their co-twins had any of these health problems – and this link was strongest among identical twins, suggesting the likelihood of a genetic predisposition.

The researchers recommend that people with a recent diagnosis of cardiovascular disease have their risk of a future fracture evaluated with a bone scan and a checkup for clinical risk factors for bone loss and fractures.

Source: Healthcommunities