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Progression of vascular calcifications is associated with greater bone loss and increased bone fractures

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Abstract

Summary

In this prospective study, we found a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine.

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the progression of abdominal aortic calcification and osteoporosis in a Spanish cohort of men and women older than 50.

Methods

Men and women (n = 624) aged 50 and over underwent two lateral X-rays of thoracic and lumbar spine and a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study at lumbar spine and hip, and were followed during 4 years. Abdominal aortic calcifications were classified as absent, mild-moderate and severe.

Results

There was a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. In both sexes, prevalent severe aortic calcifications were positively associated with prevalent osteoporotic fractures [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93 (1.02–3.65)]. The association was stronger when only vertebral fracture was considered [OR = 2.45 (1.23–4.87)]. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications showed a positive association with the rate of decline in bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine.

Conclusions

Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. The progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine.

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Article Open access 01 July 2023

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Acknowledgments

This study has been partially supported by European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS), European Community (1991–1993); by European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS), European Community BIOMED 93–95. BMHI - CT 092–0182. (1993–1997); by Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS 94/1901-E) and by Fundación Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo (Spain).

Conflicts of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bone and Mineral Research Unit, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain

    M. Naves, M. Rodríguez-García, J. B. Díaz-López, C. Gómez-Alonso & J. B. Cannata-Andía

  2. Bone and Mineral Research Unit, Instituto Reina Sofía de investigación, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Julian Claveria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain

    J. B. Cannata-Andía

Authors
  1. M. Naves
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  2. M. Rodríguez-García
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  3. J. B. Díaz-López
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  4. C. Gómez-Alonso
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  5. J. B. Cannata-Andía
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Correspondence to J. B. Cannata-Andía.

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Naves, M., Rodríguez-García, M., Díaz-López, J.B. et al. Progression of vascular calcifications is associated with greater bone loss and increased bone fractures. Osteoporos Int 19, 1161–1166 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0539-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0539-1

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