If you’re over the age of 50 you’re at higher risk of developing osteoporosis – women and men alike. Osteoporosis is when the bones in our body become weak and brittle and can increase the risk of fractures.
You may not think a bone disease may affect your heart, but it does. This link between the two diseases is according to a new study by the University of Southampton.
Link between osteoporosis and heart disease in elderly
A technology called high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to determine the bone density in the individual’s wrists. The technology allowed scientists to assess the symptoms of osteoporosis.
Among individuals who had coronary heart disease, scientists also uncovered these people had low bone density in the hard outside of the bone. More so, this relationship was seen higher among women than men. (It must be mentioned that osteoporosis is more common in women).
The new study calls for more research needs to be conducted in the connection of osteoporosis and heart disease. Furthermore, it creates grounds to promote better bone health to reduce one’s risk of heart disease and vice versa.
So if up until now you believed that either disease was not connected, think again. Bone health is related to heart health and so if you want to protect your heart, it’s important to maintain strong bones. This reaffirms that overall wellness is the key to good health.
Preventing osteoporosis and heart disease
Whether you have been diagnosed with either disease, taking the necessary steps to protect your heart and bones is essential. Here are a few ways to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease.
Tips to boost bone health
- Exercise
- Learn your family history
- Take in adequate vitamin D and calcium
- Eat foods which contain vitamin K
- Stock up on potassium
- Minimize coffee consumption
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Don’t smoke.
Tips to boost heart health
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Exercise
- Eat balanced and nutritious meals
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
- Reduce stress
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce sodium intake
- Learn your family history.
Living with osteoporosis
Joining a support group may ease anxiety linked with osteoporosis. Fear can be debilitating and a fear of falling can really take a toll on one’s life. This is why reaching out to others can give you a fresh perspective and calm your fear as well.
Speaking with your doctor can also give you better piece of mind. They can prescribe medications which can be used alongside the tips listed above.
Essentially healthy habits can help you manage osteoporosis more easily. And healthy habits can reduce your risk of heart disease as well. It’s important that we don’t treat osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease separately but make smart choices which reduce the outcome of both diseases.
Related Reading:
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Sources:
http://nof.org/live/treating
http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/09/10-ways-to-build-healthy-bones-and-keep-them-strong/
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/causes
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20019924
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150629075938.htm