High blood pressure is often linked to heart disease and stroke, but recent research has revealed another important health concern—it may also weaken your bones.
Scientists are now uncovering a strong connection between high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) and lower bone strength, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Bone density is a measure of how strong and solid your bones are. When bone density is high, bones are more resistant to breaks. As we age, our bone density naturally drops, but certain health conditions, including high blood pressure, can make this happen faster.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and fragile. While it’s usually seen in older adults, research now shows that high blood pressure might also play a role in causing bone loss.
One reason is that high blood pressure affects blood vessels throughout the body, including those that supply the bones. When these blood vessels are damaged, bones may not get the nutrients they need, making them weaker.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research showed that people with high blood pressure had a higher risk of low bone density, especially in key areas like the hips and lower spine. The study also suggested that inflammation caused by high blood pressure may be part of the problem.
High blood pressure can injure blood vessels, and the body responds with inflammation. This inflammation spreads throughout the body and can interfere with bone cells—slowing down the cells that build bone and speeding up the ones that break it down.
Researchers at the University of California found another issue: people with high blood pressure may lose more calcium in their urine. Calcium is essential for bone health, and losing too much means your bones don’t get enough to stay strong. Over time, this can lead to weaker bones and a higher chance of fractures.
Some medications for high blood pressure may also affect bones. For example, diuretics—often called “water pills”—help remove extra salt and water from the body, which lowers blood pressure. But they can also cause the body to lose calcium.
A study in Osteoporosis International found that people taking some types of diuretics long-term had lower bone density. On the other hand, medications like calcium-channel blockers, which relax blood vessels, don’t seem to have this negative effect on bones.
There are also lifestyle factors that raise the risk for both high blood pressure and weak bones. A high-salt diet not only increases blood pressure but also reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
Not getting enough physical activity can also lead to both higher blood pressure and lower bone strength. This means that healthy habits can help protect you from both problems at the same time.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your bones and manage your blood pressure. Regular exercise—such as walking, lifting weights, or doing yoga—can help improve both bone strength and blood pressure.
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine in 2019 showed that even moderate exercise a few times a week helped older adults improve their bone density and lower their blood pressure.
Eating a healthy diet is also key. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D help strengthen bones, while cutting back on salt helps control blood pressure. Together, these changes can make a big difference in your health.
In summary, high blood pressure may lead to weaker bones through damaged blood vessels, inflammation, loss of calcium, and the side effects of some medications.
But by staying active, eating well, and keeping blood pressure in a healthy range, you can protect both your heart and your bones. Knowing this connection gives you the power to make better choices for your overall health.
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