Biphosphonates and the risk of atrial fibrillation

From a recent study in Chest:

Results: Six observational studies (n = 149,856) and six RCTs (n = 41,375) were included for analysis. On pooling observational studies, there was an increased risk of AF (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16-1.39) among bisphosphonate users. Further, analysis of RCTs revealed a statistically significant increase in the risk of serious AF (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02-1.93) and no increase in the risk of stroke (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.85-1.34) or cardiovascular mortality (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.68-1.26) with the use of bisphosphonates.

Conclusions: Evidence from RCTs and observational studies suggests a significantly increased risk of AF requiring hospitalization, but no increase in risk of stroke or cardiovascular mortality, with the use of bisphosphonate.