Patients who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis could face higher risks of serious atrial fibrillation (AF) or irregular heartbeats claim a new study. The study presented at the 74th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) or “CHEST 2008” shows that people using alendronate or zoledronic acid two common medications to slow or prevent the development of osteoporosis had significantly greater chances of encountering serious AF including hospitalization or death when compared with placebo. “Atrial fibrillation can be serious if it is persistent or occurs in people with preexisting heart disease or hypertension ” posited Jennifer Miranda MD Jackson Memorial Hospital Miami FL. “If left untreated it can lead to pulmonary edema congestive heart failure or the formation of a blood clot that can cause a brain embolism and stroke.” In a meta-analysis Dr. Miranda and her colleagues from the University of Miami looked at the relationship between the use of bisphosphonates and AF. AF is a condition that can produce a wide range of symptoms including light-headedness palpitations chest pain and shortness of breath or no symptoms at all. Three studies met the eligibility criteria. The total number of patients included was 16 322 of whom 76 to 100 percent were female sufferers using bisphosphonates for osteoporosis with an average age range 69 to 75 years. Individuals in the study were taking alendronate or zoledronic acid. The findings indicated that 2.5 to 3 percent of patients taking bisphosphonates suffered atrial fibrillation with 1 to 2 percent experiencing serious AF including hospitalization or death. Patients taking bisphosphonates faced increased probability of experiencing AF compared to those receiving placebo and up to two times more likely to experience serious AF than patients just receiving placebo. “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 ” Dr. Miranda said. “Bisphosphonates are widely used to treat millions of women and men who suffer from osteoporosis or low bone density ” added James A. L. Mathers Jr. MD FCCP President of the American College of Chest Physicians. “A potential link between bisphosphonates and atrial fibrillation warrants additional research in this area.”