A drug used to prevent bone fractures in women with osteoporosis could increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that women who have used the drug Fosamax - also known as alendronate - are nearly twice as likely to develop the most common kind of chronically irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) than those who have never used it.
Atrial fibrillation is not usually life-threatening but it can increase the risk of stroke and cause palpitations, fainting, fatigue, or congestive heart failure.
The researchers studied 700 women whose irregular heartbeat was first detected during a three-year period.
These women were compared to over 900 randomly selected females matched on age and high blood pressure.
The results, published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, say that having ever used Fosamax was associated with an 86 per cent higher risk of irregular heartbeat.
'Careful judgment is required to weigh the risks and benefits of any medication for any individual patient,' said lead researcher Dr Susan Heckbert.
'For most women at high risk of fracture, alendronate's benefit of reducing fractures will outweigh the risk of atrial fibrillation.'
However, said added: 'Women who are at high risk of fractures but also have risk factors for atrial fibrillation - such as heart failure, diabetes, or coronary diseases - might want to discuss alternatives to alendronate with their health care providers.'
© Adfero Ltd