A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology analyzed the bone density of more than 13,000 healthy individuals. Their hearts were also examined for the presence of heart failure. Dr. Roman Pfister of the Heart Center of the University of Cologne, Germany found that using broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) to measure bone density, there was a 23% drop regarding heart failure risk for every one-standard-deviation of rise in BUA. This relationship remained, even when the data was adjusted for factors like age, smoking, diabetes, alcohol consumption, sex, physical activity, blood pressure and body mass index. Dr. Pfister explained that anybody with a lowered bone density or with osteoporosis warrants a cardiac assessment because of the strong linkage between low bone density and heart failure. He went on to say that in the US, particularly in the elderly population osteoporosis or low bone density is present in about 52 million people. Screening for all women above the age of 65 is strongly suggested. However, younger women with a higher risk for osteoporosis or low bone density should also be screened with BUA.
Vitamin K2 is instrumental in decreasing osteoporosis by promoting the formation of strong bones through incorporating calcium and other minerals into bone. A Japanese study in 2000 found that when patients with osteoporosis were supplemented with vitamin K2 they had 52% less vertebral fractures compared to a control group who did not get this supplement. In a 2004 Dutch study a lack of vitamin K2 was associated with a higher incidence of coronary heart disease, calcification of coronary arteries and higher overall mortality.
All these facts explain that it makes sense to supplement with 100 to 200 micrograms of vitamin K2 per day to keep your bones and your heart healthy.
Heart Failure Linked To Low Bone Density
More information regarding:
- Congestive heart failure: https://nethealthbook.com/cardiovascular-disease/heart-disease/congestive-heart-failure/
- Osteoporosis: https://nethealthbook.com/arthritis/osteoporosis/
Reference: J Am. Coll. Cardiol. 2014 Jul 2
