Stroke is a Risk Factor for Fracture - A 17-Year Follow-Up Study in Men and Women

Journal article, 2016

Objective: The aim was to study risk factors for osteoporotic fractures and cerebro-cardiovascular disease (CVD) during 17 years of follow-up.

Design: A prospective study was performed on a random population sample (n = 1616) in Gothenburg, Sweden; 746 men and 870 women, aged 25-64 years in 1995, from the WHO MONICA Project. Fractures were verified by X-ray, CVD events by medical records and lifestyle factors and medical treatment via a questionnaire. Quantitative Calcaneal Ultrasound (QUS) examinations were performed. Fasting blood samples were taken, and in fertile women on cycle day 7-9.

Results: Since 1995, 13% of the subjects had suffered fractures, (women 15%, and men10%). Stroke (p = 0.0144), female sex (p = 0.0006) and low leisure time physical activity (p = 0.0025) before 1995 predicted a future fracture, independently of age, body weight or previous fracture. More CVD, mainly stroke, higher cholesterol levels but less lipid-lowering treatment, higher blood pressure and fibrinogen, lower QUS, lower physical activity during leisure time, more use of tranquilisers, and, in women, low estradiol, were found among subjects with fractures, compared with non-fractured subjects.

Conclusions: Stroke and a sedentary lifestyle predicted future fractures. Stroke is a risk factor for fracture and must be considered in the care of patients suffering from cerebrovascular events.