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

Abstract

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.