Postmenopausal Women with High Cardiovascular Risk May Face Increased Hip Fracture Risk
A groundbreaking study from Tulane University has revealed a startling correlation between cardiovascular risk and hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women. The study found that women with high cardiovascular risk face a 93% higher risk of hip fracture compared to those with low cardiovascular risk.
The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, analyzed data from over 21,000 women in the Women’s Health Initiative. Utilizing the American Heart Association’s recently developed PREVENT score to estimate 10-year cardiovascular disease risk, researchers discovered a significant association between heart health and bone fracture risk.
Women in the high cardiovascular risk group had a 93% higher risk of hip fracture than those in the low-risk group. Meanwhile, women in the intermediate-risk group showed a 33% increased risk. This correlation was particularly pronounced in women under 65, and extended to fractures in major areas such as the spine, forearm, and shoulder.
Lead researcher Rafeka Hossain emphasized the importance of heart-healthy lifestyle choices in bone protection. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure all contribute to both heart and bone health. The study also found that women in the high-risk group tended to experience fractures sooner, with hip fractures occurring around 15 years compared to nearly 20 years in lower-risk groups.
Given these findings, experts suggest that postmenopausal women with intermediate or high cardiovascular risk may benefit from bone health screening. There are many effective treatments available that can significantly reduce fracture risk.