Why tobacco users face double risk of suffering hip fractures

Public health warnings regarding smoking typically focus on respiratory or cardiovascular dangers. However, Dr Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of experience, is drawing attention to a lesser-known risk.

He noted that the danger of “lung cancer, heart attack, or stroke” is “very real,” but smoking does yet another serious damage to our body.

Smoking makes the skeletal system weaker by reducing bone density, making individuals more vulnerable to injuries.

In his own words, “When most people think about smoking, you think about lung cancer, heart attack, or stroke. And these things are very real. But smoking also affects your bone health. It decreases bone density, which causes bones to be weaker and more fragile, which increases the risk of fracture.”

Why does smoking impact bone health?

The impact on skeletal integrity is deeply biological. “Smoking directly impacts the cells that create new bone,” stated Dr London.

The habit disrupts the balance between osteoblasts, which form new bone, and osteoclasts, which dissolve old tissue.

Increased Inflammation: Smoking triggers internal inflammation, accelerating the breakdown of bones.

Calcium Absorption: The habit affects the ability of cells to absorb calcium, which is vital for maintaining density.

Fracture Risk: Smokers face twice the risk of suffering a hip fracture compared to those who do not smoke.

The surgeon noted that these effects are temporary. “The good news is that when you quit, you can actually reverse this process,” he shared, adding, “Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart, your lungs, and your bones.”

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as medical advice. Readers should always consult a qualified doctor regarding any questions about their health or a medical condition.