Osteoporosis may Increase Risk of Heart Failure

Osteoporosis, or thinning of bones, could increase the risk of heart attacks, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada.

Osteoporosis is commonly found in the elderly and is caused by the reduction of bone mineral density. The researchers observed more than 45,500 adults who had undergone bone mineral density testing and followed up after 10 years.

They found that over 1,841 people had suffered from heart failure in recent years, leading the researchers to conclude that osteoporosis increased the risk of heart failure by 30 percent.

Commenting in the report, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, lead researcher Sumit Majumdar said, "Our study demonstrates for the first time that heart failure and thinning of bones go hand in hand. Understanding the mechanism between heart failure and osteoporosis might lead to new treatments for both conditions."

Source: Medindia