Health and Disability

In a large study of middle-aged to elderly smokers, men were more likely than women to have osteoporosis andfractures of their vertebrae. Smoking history and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were independent risk factors for low bone density among both men and women in the study, which has been published online in theAnnals of the American Thoracic Society.

Current guidelines do not recommend osteoporosis screening for men. While current smoking is a recognized risk factor for osteoporosis, neither smoking history nor COPD are among criteria for bone-density screening.

"Our findings suggest that current and past smokers of both genders should be screened for osteoporosis," said Elizabeth Regan, MD, assistant professor of medicine at National Jewish Health. "Expanding screening to include men with a smoking history and starting treatment in those with bone disease may prevent fractures, improve quality of life and reduce health care costs."