Heart disease has been linked to osteoporosis in a surprising new study that suggests both conditions may have similar causes.

The University of Southampton study is one of the first of its kind to determine that people with a history of coronary heart disease have substantially lower bone mineral density in their wrist bone — a key hallmark of osteoporosis — than those without.

The findings, published in the journal Osteoporosis International, are based on assessments of 350 men and women, aged 70 to 85.

"This is one of the first studies to use this technology to explore bone geometry, density, and microstructure in patients with heart disease,” said Cyrus Cooper, a professor of rheumatology at the University of Southampton.

“The findings highlight the need to evaluate a history of heart disease in the management of osteoporosis in older people and further research is also needed to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms which explain the link between osteoporosis and heart disease."