Quick study
Osteoporosis
Published: Sun, Jun. 01, 2008 12:00AM
Modified Sun, Jun. 01, 2008 01:53AM
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closeMedication might affect heart's rhythm.
The question: For older women, bisphosphonates reduce the chances of broken bones from osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease. But does this type of medication carry heart risks?
This study: analyzed data on 1,685 women, most in their 70s. About 5 percent of the women were taking Fosamax (alendronate), a bisphosphonate, or had taken it at some time, and 719 of them had received a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. Women who had taken the drug were nearly twice as likely to have the heartbeat problem as were those who had never taken the medication.
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Who may be affected? Older women taking Fosamax, generally to stave off the consequences of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed drugs for this purpose.
Caveats: Whether the findings apply to other bisphosphonates or to men was not determined.
Find this study: April 28 issue, Archives of Internal Medicine.
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