By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online.
Osteoporosis Drug Linked to Arrhythmia
(April 29, 2008) - Alendronate, a medication used to prevent fractures in women with osteoporosis (Read about "Osteoporosis"), may be associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. (Read about "Arrhythmia") That's the findings of a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Other recent studies have reported atrial fibrillation as an unexpected adverse effect of bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that includes alendronate and other medications that affect the body's calcium levels, according to background information in the article. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the atria, the smaller upper chambers of the heart, begin to beat irregularly and rapidly. (Read about "The Heart & Its Valves")
Researchers studied over 1700 women, both with and without atrial fibrillation. More patients with atrial fibrillation than control patients had ever used alendronate (6.5 percent vs. 4.1 percent). After adjusting for other risk factors, having taken alendronate was associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation compared with never having taken any bisphosphonate. The researchers estimate that approximately 3 percent of new atrial fibrillation cases in this population may be attributed to alendronate use.
Bisphosphonates may disrupt the function of regulatory proteins, trigger inflammation and cause small decreases in blood calcium and phosphate levels, any of which could affect the chambers of the heart known as atria and therefore alter the heartbeat, the authors note. "More information is needed about whether bisphosphonates could have effects on atrial tissue in the long term through these or other mechanisms that favor the initiation or persistence of atrial fibrillation," they write.
Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.
All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
© Concept Communications Media Group LLC
By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online.
