Osteoporosis linked to heart disease in elderly

Scientists have found a link between heart disease and osteoporosis, suggesting both conditions could have similar causes in the elderly. The team from the University of Southampton found that people with a history of heart disease had substantially lower bone mineral density in their wrist bone than those without.

The technique was used on 350 men and women aged 70-85 suffering from coronary heart disease such as angina, heart attack or heart failure. The results showed that bone mineral density was lower among participants with coronary heart disease.

The effect was more prominent in women than in men. "The results highlight the need to evaluate a history of heart disease in the management of osteoporosis in older people," said professor Cyrus Cooper, professor of rheumatology at the University of Southampton.

Further research is needed to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms which explain the link between osteoporosis and heart disease, the team said. (The results were published in the journal Osteoporosis International)