menopause<\/a>, with women at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease more likely to experience hip and other major bone fractures.<\/p>\nThe association between cardiovascular disease risk and fractures was also stronger in women under 65, compared with women aged 65 and older.<\/p>\n
In the study, published in The Lancet Regional Health \u2013 Americas, researchers used the American Heart Association\u2019s recently developed PREVENT score to estimate a patient\u2019s 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease. Women in the study were grouped as low, borderline, intermediate or high risk.<\/p>\n
The strongest link was seen with hip fractures. Women in the high cardiovascular risk group had a 93 per cent higher risk of hip fracture than women in the low-risk group.<\/p>\n
Women in the intermediate-risk group had a 33 per cent higher risk.<\/p>\n
Higher cardiovascular risk was also linked to a greater risk of fractures in weakened bones in major areas such as the hip, spine, forearm or shoulder.<\/p>\n
The findings could indicate that the PREVENT score, developed by the AHA in 2024, may be a valuable tool in identifying patients who could benefit from a bone density screening or referral to a bone health specialist.<\/p>\n
Given the prevalence of both conditions and the economic burden they impose, reducing risk for both could improve the lives of older adults.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile previous studies have suggested a link between cardiovascular disease and fracture risk, we were surprised by the magnitude associated with hip fracture risk,\u201d said lead author Rafeka Hossain, a researcher with the Tulane University School of Medicine. \u201c<\/p>\n
Both of these conditions are prevalent and costly, and reducing risk for both could improve the lives of older adults.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study included data from more than 21,000 women in the Women\u2019s Health Initiative, one of the largest national women\u2019s health studies.<\/p>\n
The findings add to growing evidence that heart health and bone health are closely connected.<\/p>\n
Researchers say several biological processes may help explain the link, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, changes in calcium regulation and reduced blood flow to bone caused by atherosclerosis.<\/p>\n
Hormonal changes after menopause, especially declining oestrogen levels, may also raise the risk of both heart disease and bone loss at the same time.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of the same factors that protect your heart, regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, not smoking and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, also help protect your bones,\u201d Hossain said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019ve been told you have intermediate or high cardiovascular risk, particularly if you are a postmenopausal woman, it may be worthwhile to talk to your doctor about bone health screening, given the many effective treatments available that reduce fracture risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study found that women in the high-risk group tended to experience fractures sooner than women in the low-risk group.<\/p>\n
For hip fractures, the median time to fracture was 15 years in the high-risk group versus nearly 20 years in the low-risk group.<\/p>\n
The researchers caution that more work is needed before cardiovascular risk scores are added to standard fracture screening tools.<\/p>\n
But they say the findings suggest that women with intermediate or high cardiovascular risk may want to talk with their doctors about bone health, especially after menopause.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaking care of your heart and bones should go hand in hand,\u201d Hossain said.<\/p>\n
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