When scientists induced high blood pressure in young mice, they experienced bone mass loss and osteoporosis-related bone damage comparable to that in older mice, according to a new study presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2022 conference in San Diego, Medical Xpress writes. 

High blood pressure and osteoporosis are common conditions, and people can suffer from both at the same time. In this study, scientists examined inflammation associated with high blood pressure in mice and found that it may be related to osteoporosis.

In the study, the scientists compared young mice with induced hypertension to older mice without hypertension to assess the potential link between hypertension and bone aging. 

After six weeks, the researchers analyzed the bones of the mice using microcomputed tomography, an advanced imaging technique. Bone health was determined by bone strength and density. 

Compared with young mice without hypertension, young mice with induced hypertension had a 24% reduction in bone volume, an 18% reduction in the thickness of the cancellous trabecular bone located at the end of long bones such as the femur and spinal column, and a 34% reduction in estimated fracture strength, which is the ability of bones to withstand various types of stress.

In the study, however, older mice, both with and without high blood pressure, showed a decrease in bone quality similar to that seen in young mice with hypertension.

According to the scientists, it appeared that high blood pressure corrected the bone remodeling process toward bone loss rather than bone gain or bone balance in young mice with hypertension. As a result, bones become weaker, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and brittle fractures. For humans, this may mean screening for osteoporosis in people with high blood pressure is necessary.