Osteoporosis and High Blood Pressure

We all know that high blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. But did you know that your blood pressure affects your bones too?

Many of my clients come in with joint and muscle pain, I have learned over the years  that sometimes their complaints are linked to poor diet, inflammation, lack of exercise, underlying conditions or in the case of my health clients, sprain/strain injuries.

We are so used to viewing the body in parts. The body is made of many parts but functions as a whole, so when one system (cardiovascular) fails it affects other body systems.

That is the case with high blood pressure and bone health, studies have shown that when someone has high blood pressure, it increases the rate of calcium excretion. Which basically means that high blood pressure draws calcium out of the bones, into the blood and eventually into the urine where the body flushes it out.

97% of the calcium in our body is stored in our bones and it helps give our bones structure and keep them strong. When calcium is taken from the bones it will eventually weaken the bone and raise the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a  disease of bone remodeling, the breakdown of bone occurs at a faster rate than the body can rebuild it.

Some of the risk factors for high blood pressure and osteoporosis  include:  lack of exercise, high salt diet and menopause.  We all lose bone mass as we age  but high blood pressure speed the process up and increases the risk of fracture (hip).

This is a case where prevention is the best option.

1. Eating a low salt diet and replacing that extra salt with potassium, and magnesium (relaxes blood vessels).

2.  Increasing exercise , which improves heart health by allowing it to pump more efficiently and get more nutrients to the muscles and tissues.

3. Managing stress. Stress causes the release of cortisol that get the body ready for “fight or flight” and helps us get out of dangerous situations. When you stay stressed for a long time it puts extra pressure on the heart.

4. Get enough sleep. Sleep allows your body to reset and repair, when you don’t get enough sleep your body is not able to recover from the activities and stress from your day.

5. Monitor your blood pressure.

Take care of your heart and bone health by making the appropriate lifestyle changes.

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