Lower bone mineral density is associated with higher coronary calcification and coronary plaque burdens by multidetector row coronary computed tomography in pre- and postmenopausal women

Abstract

P>Objectives There is growing evidence for the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and vascular calcification, which is related to cardiovascular disease. Coronary multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is a noninvasive tool developed to evaluate coronary status precisely. We used MDCT to evaluate this association. Design and patients Eight hundred and fifteen subjects received routine checkups. After excluding subjects with factors affecting bone metabolism and cardiovascular disease, 467 subjects were analysed. Measurements Coronary calcification was measured with MDCT and BMD was measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results The BMD of the femur and the lumbar spine (L-spine) were negatively associated with the coronary calcium score (CCS) after adjusting for age in women but not in men. This inverse correlation was stronger in women with a longer time since menopause (r = -0 center dot 35 at femur, postmenopausal women vs. r = -0 center dot 10 at femur, premenopausal women, P < 0 center dot 05), and it was stronger at the femur than in the L-spine (r = -0 center dot 35 at femur vs. r = -0 center dot 16 at L-spine, P < 0 center dot 01). The relationship was also stronger in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopaenia than in women with normal BMD. The lower BMD was associated with higher coronary plaque burdens and multidiseased coronary vessels in both men and women (P < 0 center dot 01). Conclusions Increased CCS and subclinical atherosclerosis of plaque burdens as revealed by MDCT was associated with a low BMD in all women, independent of cardiovascular risk factors and age.