Treatment for osteoporosis does not appear to increase AF risk

A variety of pharmacotherapy options are available for the management of osteoporosis, but concern has arisen about the inconclusive nature of information about the potential association of these treatments with cardiovascular events, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Italian researchers hav evaluated potential associations between bisphosphonates, strontium ranelate and other drugs for the management of osteoporosis and the risk of AF and other cardiovascular events. The subjects were 65 years and over, and had been discharged from the hospitals after a CCV event between 2008 and 2011. 657,246 patients were studied, and the use of the pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis was not associated with an increased risk of AF regardless of the adherence and recency of use. The researchers conclude that these treatments do not increase cardiovascular risk and can be prescribed for older people with relative confidence. Read the original study here