[Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis]

Abstract

Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between osteoporosis and vascular calcification or atherosclerotic diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease) in the elderly or postmenopausal women. These results indicate that osteoporosis and atherosclerosis might be linked by common risk factors or pathological mechanisms. Dyslipidemia has the correlation to both osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Statins, nitorogen-containing bisphosphonates, and estrogens have the favorable effects on lipid profiles as well as vasculature, or bone mineral density. Thus, these therapeutic approaches might have dual effects on bone and vasculature.