PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and arterial stiffness as a preclinical atherosclerosis criterion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Carotid and femoral artery Doppler ultrasonography and arterial stiffness measurements were performed on 113 female patients referred for BMD measurements.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional compliance and cross-sectional distensibility of the carotid artery were positively correlated with the BMD of the Ward's triangle, the femoral neck, and the lower femoral neck; and the Ward's triangle, respectively. A negative correlation was found between the intima-media thickness of the femoral artery and the femoral elastic modulus with the BMD of L1, L12, L13, and L23; and the BMD of L1, L3, L13, L24, L34, the femoral neck, the lower femoral neck, and Ward's triangle, respectively. The cross-sectional compliance and cross-sectional distensibility of the femoral artery were positively correlated with the BMD of the femoral neck, upper femoral neck, lower femoral neck, Ward's triangle; and the BMD of the total femur and Ward's triangle, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The arterial stiffness measurements in women are correlated with BMD, regardless of age and other demographic factors.

Keywords: bone density • common carotid artery • femoral artery • elastic modulus • arterial stiffness