Objective: To investigate the relationship between bone mineral density (in the axial and appendicular skeleton) and calcification of the aorta.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: Community-based study.
Participants: A total of 2051 women aged 65 years and older enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.
Measurements: Bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip, spine, calcaneus, proximal and distal radius; calcification of the aorta (AC); demographic and lifestyle variables; dietary history; functional status; blood pressure; anthropomorphic measures.
Results: The prevalence of AC increased with age, ranging from 60% at ages 65 to 69 years to 96% at 85 years and older. BMD in women with calcified arterial plaques was lower (P < .001) when compared with those with no plaques, at all sites measured except the lumbar spine. After adjustment for age, BMD at the hip, spine and calcaneus was not associated with the presence of plaques; only a weak association between BMD and AC remained at the distal and proximal radius. The independent correlates of AC were age, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, coffee drinking, central obesity and a history of diabetes or stroke; current estrogen use was protective.
Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that osteopenia and the deposition of calcific plaques in the wall of the aorta are independent processes that occur as women age. They are probably not causally linked.