Bone and muscle does not form or function without complex interactions from the blood vessels that distribute hormones, cytokines, essential nutrients and minerals that are essential for musculoskeletal health. During ageing we begin to progressively lose skeletal bone mass whilst accumulating pathological mineralised deposits in the blood vessels and soft tissues. For some years now it has been known that vascular calcification is linked to low bone mineral density and risk of fracture, particularly in older women. However, to date, the mechanisms of linkage remains unknown.
In this project Dr Lewis utilised existing muscle, bone and vascular clinical imaging and phenotype data from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women (PLSAW) that provides a unique opportunity to study factors influencing musculoskeletal ageing. Specifically, Dr Lewis’ team evaluated how changes in vascular calcification influenced bone and muscle health as well as falls and fracture risk. This study was well powered to detect meaningful associations to substantially advance knowledge in this rapidly growing field of research. The project also looked at muscle function and injurious falls.
Outcomes
It was found that in the 73% of older women with abdominal aortic calcification, they had a 39% higher relative hazard of being hospitalised for a fall in the next 15 years. This was independent of age, BMI, cardiovascular and falls risk factors as well as measures of muscle strength.