Bone-rotting drugs are targeting your ticker Add another brick to the wall you should keep between you and bisphosphonates, the popular (and dangerous) class of bone-building drugs. You've heard me say before that bisphosphonates, often used to treat osteoporosis and people who have suffered hip fractures, can actually result in bone destruction — often rotting away your jaw – and unusual fractures that hit out of the blue.
Turns out these dangerous drugs are targeting your ticker, too. Researchers have discovered that bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast, increase the odds that you will develop atrial fibrillation — an erratic heart rhythm that sometimes results in blood clots. A year ago, the FDA announced it was looking into the risk of atrial fibrillation from those taking bisphosphonates, and the agency set up a mechanism for gathering complaints from patients and doctors about side effects of these drugs. But the faint-of-heart FDA stopped short of advising docs to change their prescribing practices for bisphosphonates. One thing to keep in mind is to not overestimate the risks of bone loss. Bone density only predicts a small fraction (15 percent) of your risk of fracture. A little bit of bone loss is natural as you move past 40 years of age. Osteoporosis results mainly from lower estrogen levels after menopause in women and from reduced absorption of calcium with aging in both sexes. An underutilized key to preserving your bones is vitamin D. It helps your body absorb calcium. Over 50% of the population is deficient which means you need to know your vitamin D status. Ask your doctor about a blood test that measures your 25 hydroxy vitamin D level. Other vitamins and minerals found in fresh vegetables –especially magnesium -- also can keep your bones strong. Dr. Alan Inglis **************One site has it all. Your email accounts, your social networks, and the things you love. Try the new AOL.com today!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212962939x1200825291/aol?redir=http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp %26icid=aolcom40vanity%26ncid=emlcntaolcom00000001)
