Stroke could occur at any age but predominantly affects the elderly. Therefore, the population at the highest risk of stroke is also at a high risk of experiencing osteoporosis. An osteoporosis is a disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. After stroke, there are many factors which contribute to the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture. A BMD is a bone mineral density (BMD) test that measures the density of minerals (such as calcium) in your bones using a special X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound. This information is used to estimate the strength of your bones.

Why stroke could lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis? The exact mechanism which is responsible for the reduced BMD observed on the hemiplegic side after stroke has not been yet fully understood until now. In 2000, five Japanese scientists have demonstrated that immobilization following acute hemiplegia enhances bone resorption, and it increases inonized serum calcium levels. Later, in the course of stroke, factors such as the degree of functional recovery, duration of the hemiplegia, reduced vitamin D and anticoagulation with warfarin may contribute to ongoing bone loss. After a stroke, these factors cited above contribute to the loss of BMD and fracture. Therefore, a pre-stroke low BMD and vertebral fracture may add to the risk of osteoporosis and fracture, as well as further contribution to additional functional loss. Also, in a consideration that osteoporotic vertebral fractures share some risk factors with stroke such like reduced physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and poor calcium intake, etc.

Stroke itself already brings a lot of physical and emotional burden to the patient and family members. These problems, such as osteoporosis could easily be ignored as minor secondary issues. What is more, among the various kinds of osteoporotic fractures, vertebral fractures are the most common worldwide. Unlike hip fracture, many vertebral fractures are asymptomatic and go undetected. However, these do not give reason to less awareness, it is imperative that these conditions are managed adequately from the very beginning stage of stroke and that preventive measures are undertaken simultaneously. It is also important to provide not only patients but also caregivers with adequate information on clinical consequences of osteoporosis and on the subsequent risk of fracture, and to call for their active participation in its prevention and treatment.

A special attention should be paid concerning the nutrition. A diet high in protein (acids) and salt but low in potassium might aggravate osteoporosis and increase risk of stroke. Potassium is the seventh most plentiful mineral on earth. More potassium, say experts, would help protect us against high blood pressure, strokes, kidney stones, and bone loss.

Sources:
Bone Journal
American Heart Association