Investigations into the mechanisms of hypertension have previously revealed abnormalities in calcium metabolism in hypertensive subjects. A new study expands on this knowledge, identifying loss of calcium from the bones of women with high blood pressure. The bone is the largest store of calcium in the body.

Using dual-energy x-ray analysis to evaluate bone mineral density in hypertensive women, a Japanese research team found a significant decrease in bone density in their patients, compared with those who did not have high blood pressure. The higher the systolic blood pressure, the lower the bone mineral density.

They also reported that these women excreted significantly more calcium in their urine. The greater the urinary calcium excretion, the lower the bone mineral density.

Further research is under way to clarify the relationship between hypertension and bone density. Meanwhile, talk to your doctor about making sure your calcium intake is adequate. The Recommended Daily Allowance for people up to the age of 50 is 1000 mg/day; the recommendation increases to 1200 mg/day for those over 50.

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