A simple blood test can save you from fractures
Suffering a fracture, at times serves as an indication that your bones aren’t as strong as they should be. This is because, with age like the other organs of the body, the skeletal system also starts to deteriorate. Experts say that peak bone mass and optimum bone strength is achieved at the age of 30 and thereafter sets in a phase of rapid bone mass loss in most people. In fact, progressive bone mass loss starts at around mid 30s and is seen mostly in menopausal women and with the elder generation.
Loss of bone mass is a major contributor for osteoporosis and makes one prone to fractures and other imminent complications. Till date, a bone mineral density test was regarded as the safest way to detect bone mass loss and determine bone strength, but now a blood test can help you know the same.
Why should you opt for a blood test to learn about your bone health?
‘Bone quality encompasses many factors like bone geometry, re-modelling activity, bone mass distribution and bone mineral properties. It is then evident that factors other than bone mineral density must be considered for a better prediction of bone strength and fracture risk,’ says Dr Prakash D. Samant, Orthopedic Surgeon from Samant’s Clinic, Mumbai. Hence, a simple blood test is a better way to determine your bone health.
How does a blood test help in predicting bone health?
According to research studies, mapping the levels of a protein named homocysteine in the blood is a strong and independent indicator of bone health. A high level of homocysteine is a known risk factor for osteoporosis and indicates fracture risks in the future.
How does high homocysteine level in the blood affect bone health?
Bone is a dynamic tissue made of minerals like calcium, phosphorus and collagen, which is a protein. The collagen works like a framework that binds the bones together. Both calcium and collagen are important for bone health. Low levels of either one of them could lead to compromised bone strength and affect the joints. High level of homocysteine in the blood affects the formation of collagen and weakens the basic bone matrix structure. ‘When the amount of homocysteine exceeds by 15µmol/L in the blood, it affects collagen formation resulting in fragile bones. Thus, by measuring the levels of homocysteine in the blood, one can predict not just the health of the arteries but also know about fracture risks,’ says Dr Samant.
Is a high homocysteine level indicative of other health conditions too?
Homocystiene level in the blood helps to determine strength and stability of the bones, apart from this, it is also a known indicator of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s.
What makes homocysteine levels increase in the blood?
Some common reasons that could lead to increase in homocysteine levels in the blood are, deficiency of vitamin B12, stress, faulty dietary habits, pre-existing kidney problems, hypothyroidism and in some rare cases effect of certain medications can also be blamed.
Who can take this blood test?
‘Not many are aware that a simple blood test can predict the risk of fracture and help assess the bone strength more efficiently than costly scans. Not only will it help in early detection of osteoporosis but also prevent the mortality associated with this silent condition,’ says Dr Samant. This simple blood test can be included in your yearly medical check-up once you cross 30 years of age.
Source: The Health Site
Published: 04 Sep 2014
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
