Impact of Bisphosphonates on the Risk of AF
Impact of Bisphosphonates on the Risk of AF
Because of the potentially devastating consequences of osteoporosis-related fractures and the proven benefits of bisphosphonates, the emerging inconsistencies in terms of AF risk in the various studies present a difficult challenge for clinicians. Since the baseline risk for AF increases with advancing age and carries a significant risk of stroke, long-term medications that further increase this risk are clearly undesirable. It is possible that some prescribers may err on the side of caution, thus depriving high-risk individuals of the benefits of bisphosphonate therapy. On the other hand, for patients determined to be at low risk for osteoporosis-related fractures and high risk for AF, it appears prudent to consider alternatives to bisphosphonate therapy. In view of a growing number of aging individuals who may soon require treatment for osteoporosis, prospective studies are clearly warranted to further clarify this issue and provide much needed guidance for prescribing decisions based on baseline risk and other patient-specific factors.
8. Conclusions
Because of the potentially devastating consequences of osteoporosis-related fractures and the proven benefits of bisphosphonates, the emerging inconsistencies in terms of AF risk in the various studies present a difficult challenge for clinicians. Since the baseline risk for AF increases with advancing age and carries a significant risk of stroke, long-term medications that further increase this risk are clearly undesirable. It is possible that some prescribers may err on the side of caution, thus depriving high-risk individuals of the benefits of bisphosphonate therapy. On the other hand, for patients determined to be at low risk for osteoporosis-related fractures and high risk for AF, it appears prudent to consider alternatives to bisphosphonate therapy. In view of a growing number of aging individuals who may soon require treatment for osteoporosis, prospective studies are clearly warranted to further clarify this issue and provide much needed guidance for prescribing decisions based on baseline risk and other patient-specific factors.
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