(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A drug to prevent fractures in women with
osteoporosis may be linked to an abnormal heart rhythm.
A new study reveals alendronate (Fosamax) may be associated with atrial
fibrillation, which occurs when the atria -- the smaller upper heart
chambers -- start to beat quickly and irregularly. Researchers looked at 719
women with atrial fibrillation and 966 control women who did not have the
heart condition. They found more patients with an abnormal heart rhythm had
used alendronate -- 6.5 percent -- compared to control patients -- 4.1
percent and estimate roughly three percent of new atrial fibrillation cases
in this population may be attributed to use of the drug.
Other recent studies have linked atrial fibrillation to bisphosphonates, a
group of drugs, including alendronate, that prevent fractures by maintaining
bone density and strength. Researchers say bisphosphonates may affect the
atria and heartbeat by preventing regulatory proteins from working properly,
triggering inflammation or causing small decline in blood calcium and
phosphate levels.
“The benefits of fracture prevention in patients at high risk for fracture
will generally outweigh the possible risks of atrial fibrillation,” study
authors write. “However, it is important to carefully weigh the benefits
against the possible risk of atrial fibrillation in women who have only
modestly increased fracture risk and in women who have risk factors for
atrial fibrillation, such as diabetes mellitus, coronary disease or heart
failure.”
SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2008;168:826-831
