Prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with severe peripheral artery disease

Introduction: Recent studies highlighted a significant association between bone mineral density and atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in Western countries, while the prevalence of osteoporosis reached 9% in Hungary. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with peripheral vascular disease. Methods: In a cross-sectional study bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 172 patients with lower limb ischemia was investigated. According to previous medical history and blood tests, risk factors of atherosclerosis were also assessed and serum markers of bone turnover and other factors that could influence osteoporosis were evaluated. Results: Prior to bone mineral density screening, osteoporosis was known in 9% of patients. Based on osteodensitometric evaluation, 37% of the patients were diagnosed as having osteopenia and 31% as having osteoporosis. According to risk factors, different patient groups were created. Significantly more female than male patients had osteoporosis, while smoking, age and body mass index failed to affect the prevalence of osteoporosis. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with severe atherosclerosis need to be regularly screened and, if necessary, treated for osteoporosis. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 369–375.