Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients.

Episode Summary: Who Is At Risk of Thin Bones?

Dr. Auric Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode to educate listeners about bone health risk factors. As a partner in OsteoStrong, a franchise business focused on improving bone health, balance, and strength, Dr. Bishop draws on guidelines from the Australian Family Physician to explain who should be screened for osteoporosis and osteopenia. The episode provides practical information to help individuals assess their bone health risk and determine whether bone mineral density (DEXA) testing might be appropriate.

Key Takeaways:

• Anyone over 70 years of age is considered a reasonable candidate for bone mineral density testing, while women over 50 and men over 60 with risk factors should also be screened.

• Women experience bone health problems earlier than men (due to menopause and lower baseline bone density), while men experience cardiovascular problems earlier than women—a 10-year difference reversal between the two conditions.

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption (2-4 standard drinks per day) reduce bone mineral density by disrupting the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

• Medical conditions including endocrine disorders (early menopause, thyroid issues, hyperparathyroidism), inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease), chronic kidney disease, and liver disease significantly increase osteoporosis risk.

• Corticosteroid medications—commonly used for asthma and other lung diseases—are major risk factors for reduced bone mineral density and warrant earlier screening.

• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), widely prescribed antidepressants, may warrant bone density assessment due to their potential impact on bone health in a large population.

• Proton pump inhibitors used long-term for acid reflux can reduce calcium absorption and negatively impact bone mineral density over time.

• Anti-epileptic medications, anti-androgens, anti-estrogens, and excessive thyroxine therapy can all alter bone mineral density through various mechanisms.

• Sedentary lifestyle accelerates bone loss, while maintaining physical activity from age 25-30 onward slows the rate of bone mineral density decline.

• Inadequate calcium intake, low body weight, eating disorders, and increased fall risk are important lifestyle and nutritional factors that may necessitate bone density screening.