WHAT TYPES OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS INCREASE RISK?
Here are a few examples. Elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, hypertension, obesity and diabetes increase the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. There are also a number of medical conditions that risk of osteoporosis including diseases of kidney function and calcium metabolism, of stomach and intestinal absorption, chronic lung disease, hyperthyroidism and Cushings disease – a disorder of the adrenal gland. Medications can also cause problems. Medications called glucocorticoids, such as prednisone given in high doses over a period of time as short as a few months can cause significant mineral loss from bone as can heparin an anticoagulant. Also, thyroid hormone in excess of replacement requirements taken over an extended period of time results in significant bone loss as well.
