Joint Replacement & Cardio Health; Vaginal Prolapse Results; Low Vitamin D & Fracture Risk
Joint replacement linked with better cardiovascular health
If you have severe osteoarthritis (OA) in your knee or hip, having the joint replaced may lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke, along with death that can result from these events, by as much as 40 percent. To reach these findings, researchers analyzed data on adults over age 55 who had OA in a knee or hip. During a 15-year follow-up period, they compared the incidence of cardiovascular events between participants who did and did not have joint replacement surgery. OA in the hip or knee often results in a reduced level of physical activity, which, in turn, can have negative effects on heart health. Following joint replacement, the increased mobility patients experience likely has a positive effect on heart health. In addition, the researchers say that OA is an inflammatory condition, and it raises the risk of depression; both conditions are linked with a higher risk of heart problems. However, as with any surgery, there are risks with joint replacement, and other treatment options should be exhausted before surgery is considered. The researchers presented their findings in March 2014 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Similar results seen in two gynecological surgeries for prolapse
The two most commonly performed surgeries to treat women with vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence lead to similar outcomes, according a study published in the March 12, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the uterus descends into the lower vagina, or when vaginal walls protrude beyond the vaginal opening. The condition is more prevalent in women who have undergone childbirth. About 300,000 surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year to treat the problem, and a majority of women seeking a surgical solution are experiencing urinary incontinence. The two primary procedures are sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and the uterosacral ligament vaginal vault suspension (ULS). Researchers found that neither surgery was superior to the other for functional or adverse outcomes. For some women, pelvic floor muscle training is effective in treating urinary incontinence. If surgery is necessary, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of both operations.
More evidence low vitamin D raises fracture risk
A study presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases in April 2014 demonstrated that long-term, low levels of vitamin D are associated with higher fracture risks in older women during a 10-year period Among the study participants, who were an average of 75, the number of women who had fractures were 26.2 percent and 30 percent in the groups that had consistently high or intermediate vitamin D levels, respectively. In contrast, 45.6 percent of women in the group with consistently low levels of vitamin D suffered fractures. Most experts consider 30 to 74 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) to be the normal range for 25(OH)D, the measure that best reflects the amount of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is a key nutrient needed for strong bones, since it promotes calcium absorption and enables normal mineralization of bone. 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily is recommended for all women over age 70, but, if your vitamin D is low, your doctor may recommend higher doses until your level rises.
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