Osteoporosis Medications and Heart Problems   Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

As greater numbers of both men and women are recognized as having the mostly age related disease, osteoporosis, larger numbers of us are being started on medications to counter this now common disorder.

Osteoporosis is associated with thinning of our bones and loss of bone calcium resulting in bones such as the hip and spine being much more likely to fracture, even with minimal trauma. For example, a simple fall to the floor from a chair in a thirty five year old with Osteoporosis, the very same fall might cause a fractured hip or shoulder.

Many years of research went into the development of drugs to either reverse osteoporosis or at least try to slow it down. One such class of drugs, the biphosphonates, has been particularly good at arresting deterioration and repairing thinning bones.

As our experience with the common biphosphonates, alendronate, zoledronic acid, risedronate, and ibandronate has increased, recent studies have shown a possibility of life threatening cardiac arrhythmias in older women using these drugs. The cardiac condition referred to is known as “serious atrial fibrillation” which involves the upper part of your heart (atrium) beating faster than normal and out of synch with the lower part of your heart (ventricle). In some cases, this medication side effect has resulted in hospitalization and death.

Key Note: Unfortunately, atrial fibrillation is more common as we get older and is the number one cause for skipped heart beat on those over age 65.

No one has yet to discover the cause for this increased risk of abnormal heart rhythm, but it appears to be related to a problem with calcium absorption in heart muscle or the heart’s electrical system.

You should definitely tell your family doctor about any history of similar heart problems if you are considering starting biphosphonate therapy. Likewise, if you are already on one of these drugs and develop atrial fibrillation, it would probably be wise to stop the medication and talk to your doctor.

Dr. Frank

See the DHB article "Osteoporosis Or Really Thin Bones" for more information on osteoporosis

Reference: Core content review Of Family Medicine, Vol. 39 April 2008

drhuggiebear, drhuggiebear.com and contained materials are the copyrighted and/or registered properties of Frank Barnhill, M.D. and may not be reproduced for profit without the express written permission of the author.  All materials may be photocopied in whole for educational use.  For information please contact us at drfrank@drhuggiebear.com.