Women's Heart Scores Predict Hip Fracture Odds

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas indicates a significant connection between women's heart health and their susceptibility to bone fractures. Researchers found that women identified as having high cardiovascular risk through the PREVENT calculator were nearly twice as likely to suffer a hip fracture.

Specifically, those in the highest heart risk group faced a 93% increased chance of a broken hip compared to the lowest risk group. Women with moderate heart risk also showed a 33% higher likelihood of hip fracture.

The study also observed that high-risk women tended to experience hip fractures sooner, a median of 15 years, compared to low-risk women at a median of 20 years.

Potential biological links include chronic inflammation, altered calcium use, and reduced blood flow to bones due to clogged arteries. Declining estrogen levels post-menopause may also contribute to both conditions simultaneously.

Lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are beneficial for both heart and bone health.

Experts suggest that postmenopausal women with intermediate or high cardiovascular risk should consider discussing bone health screening with their doctors, given the availability of effective fracture-risk reduction treatments. However, further research is needed before heart risk scores are routinely integrated into fracture risk assessments.