Atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and osteoporosis.

Numerous epidemiological studies link bone loss with vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis share risk factors and are likely to share pathogenic mechanisms as well. On the other hand, drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis could influence cardiovascular risk, just as those used in cardiovascular disease could affect bone mineral density and the development of fractures.