Background & Aims: Associations between low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased arterial stiffness have been suggested as a potential mechanism explaining the increased cardiovascular risk observed in osteoporosis. We have therefore examined, in a population of young adults: 1) whether BMD was associated with stiffness of central (i.e. aorta) and peripheral (i.e. upper and lower limbs) arterial segments; and 2) whether any such associations were similar in men and women.

Methods: Subjects were 274 (128 women) young adults (mean age of 23 yrs), participating in the NIYHP. BMD (in g/cm³) of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck were measured by means of DXA. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV, in m/s) in 3 arterial segments using a non-invasive optical method.

Results: After adjustment for potential confounders (i.e. age, height, MAP, physical activities’ peak strain, smoking and alcohol, calcium and vitamin D intake) BMD of both the lumbar spine [β=−0.67 (95%CI:−1.27;−0.07), p=0.029] and the femoral neck [β=−0.69 (−1.16;−0.22), p=0.005] were inversely associated with aortic PWV in women, but not in men; further adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors did not attenuate these associations [β=−0.61 (−1.19;−0.04) and β=−0.58 (−1.04;−0.13), for BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively]. No significant associations were found between BMD and PWV of the upper and lower limbs, however.

Conclusions: Young women, but not men, with lower BMD have increased aortic stiffness. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these associations, notably already observed in young age, need to be further explored.