How can high blood pressure affect you? According to a new study, high blood pressure is linked to bone loss and aging.
According to a recent study in a mouse model, high blood pressure (hypertension) may accelerate bone loss and aging. Moreover, the study suggests that the decline in bone health is similar to what typically happens during the aging process.
“By characterizing hypertension-induced bone loss in younger mice, we identified a potential new population at risk for fragility fractures,” explains Elizabeth Hennen, a doctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and the study’s author. “This means that pediatric hypertension may have significant implications later in life, which has yet to be researched. This research is increasing in importance as pediatric hypertension increases in prevalence.”
Hypertension and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces bone mineral density and causes changes in bone structure, weakening the bones. According to several observational studies, people with hypertension have a higher risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
“There has been significant clinical evidence that suggests having hypertension is associated with reduced bone quality; however, little research has been done to elucidate how hypertension may contribute to bone health,” says Hennen. Typically, there is a gradual decline in bone density and strength during the aging process. This process is also associated with low-grade inflammation, which may also contribute to hypertension.
Hypertension and Bone Health
It is currently not clear how aging, high blood pressure, and inflammation interact to influence bone health issues. For this reason, researchers at Vanderbilt University compared the effects of high blood pressure on bone loss in young and older mice.
According to the results, young mice with high blood pressure had a similar decline in bone health to older mice with healthy blood pressure levels. “These data suggest that hypertension may induce osteoporosis,” explains Dr. Daichi Shimbo, a cardiologist at Columbia University in New York City. “There is some evidence in humans linking hypertension to osteoporosis, so these data in mice are important. Also, given that the findings were seen primarily in younger versus older mice, that suggests that it would be important to detect hypertension as early as possible in humans (i.e., children/young adults).”
Improving Your Blood Pressure
While these studies show that there may be an association between hypertension, inflammation, and bone loss, more research is necessary. However, that does not mean you can’t do anything about your health now. You can be proactive about your health and prevent (or manage) high blood pressure.
For example, you can exercise on a regular basis and eat heart-healthy meals. In addition, you can take supplements like L-arginine Plus to boost your health. Its ingredients effectively promote circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. Give your blood pressure health the support it deserves by living healthily and taking L-arginine Plus.