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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The millions of Americans who take drugs commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis could be at risk for irregular heartbeats, which could lead to hospitalization or even death, according to a new study.
Researchers found people who take bisphosphonates, which include alendronate or zoledronic acid, for osteoporosis or low bone density were significantly more likely to experience serious atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with those who took a placebo.
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Jennifer Miranda, M.D., of Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and colleagues from the University of Miami evaluated the link between bisphosphonates and AF, a condition that can produce a wide variety of symptoms, including light-headedness, palpitations, chest pain and shortness of breath. They examined the records of 16,322 patients, of whom 76 to 100 percent were women taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis with a mean age range of 69 to 75 years.
The scientists discovered 2.5 to 3 percent of patients taking bisphosphonates experienced AF and 1 to 2 percent experienced serious AF, including hospitalization and death. Patients taking bisphosphonates were more likely to experience AF and up to two times more likely to experience serious AF than patients taking placebos.
In patients with increased risk factors for atrial fibrillation, clinicians should be more cautious when choosing treatment for osteoporosis and weigh the risks against the benefit of decreased fracture risk, Miranda said.
SOURCE: Study presented at the 74th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians held October 25-30 in Philadelphia, Pa.
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