High blood pressure is known for causing heart problems and strokes, but many people don’t realize that it can also hurt your bones.
New research shows a strong link between high blood pressure and lower bone strength. This might sound surprising, but it actually makes sense once we look at how the body works.
Our bones are not just hard structures. They are living tissues that are constantly being rebuilt. Old bone is broken down and replaced by new bone. This process helps keep bones strong and healthy.
But sometimes, the body removes old bone faster than it can build new bone. When this happens, bones lose density and become weaker. This is called bone density loss and can lead to conditions like osteoporosis and fractures.
So, what does high blood pressure have to do with this? It turns out, quite a lot. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys. The kidneys are important organs that help control blood pressure and also balance minerals in the body, like calcium. Calcium is one of the most important minerals for healthy bones.
When blood pressure is too high, the kidneys don’t work as well. They may start to remove too much calcium from the body through urine. This means less calcium is left to build and maintain strong bones. Over time, losing calcium this way can make bones fragile.
Some medications for high blood pressure, like diuretics, can also increase the amount of calcium that leaves the body. While these medicines are good for lowering blood pressure, they might lead to more calcium being lost in urine.
This doesn’t mean people should stop taking their medicine, but it shows why it’s important to talk to a doctor about bone health if you have high blood pressure.
Hormones are also part of the story. High blood pressure can change hormone levels, including estrogen, which helps protect bones, especially in women. When estrogen levels go down, bone density can drop too. This is especially important for women after menopause, when estrogen levels naturally decrease.
Lifestyle choices also connect the two problems. Not getting enough exercise, eating poorly, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol can all make both high blood pressure and bone loss worse.
On the other hand, healthy habits like regular walking, eating calcium-rich foods, and getting vitamin D can help control blood pressure and strengthen bones at the same time.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your bone health. You might need to get a bone density test, especially if you are older or at risk of osteoporosis. Taking care of your blood pressure doesn’t just protect your heart — it can help protect your bones too.
Understanding the link between high blood pressure and bone strength gives us one more reason to make healthy choices. By looking after both, we can enjoy better overall health and a stronger future.
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