Afib and Bone density supplements

[ijregner]

I have had afib for about four years now. My latest bone density test shows osteoporosis. My primary wants me to take Prolia or some other prescription medication. My research indicates "causes arrhyhtmia" as the number one side effect. Clearly a problem for me. I have looked at several bone density supplements but information is primarily published by the manufacturer. I am wondering about your experience with either the prescribed or supplement. If you have covered this and I missed, I apologize.

[FraserB]

I also have the same question because of atrial flutter. This spring my DEXA scan came back with osteopenia but my doctor said for now will wait until a couple years as to whether to go on bisphosphonate medication. In the meantime I did some preliminary research and so far the only medical research states "conflicting reports" as to whether it will cause it or not. Some early studies say no with other from 2022 saying very possible. Which, I know, doesn't help. There are internists and endocrinologists who specialists with bone density besides your GP who may help with that decision since everyone's health is different and some may benefit from greatly by taking bone medication. But I too would hope to hear from someone who has afib or at least conclusive research.

[CDreamer]

I chose to not go down the meds route and booked a private consult with Dr Nick Birch & bought a Marodyne LDV. My DEXA scan scared me but Dr Birch reassured me in that his prognosis was I was unlikely to suffer fragility fractures. I need to have a follow up every 2 years.

I felt the risks of the meds exceeded possible benefits but does depend on your fragility score & your priorities.

Dr Birch does REMS scan rather than DEXA which can have quite a large margin of error - depending upon machine & operator. I’m in the UK but there are similar specialists in US.

Have you visited the Bone Health ROS s’forum?

[ijregner in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks so much. Will follow through

[Peacefulneedshelp in reply to CDreamer]

A friend of mine that had bone loss was going to a chiropractor that had one of those machines that vibrates a person. She also added in some progessense plus, which is a supplement from my essential oil company. (I am not advertising) Also added Magnesium and Calcium and her follow scan showed the bone had built itself. Her doctor told her that was impossible. Which makes me laugh because there are so many alternatives. It is good to know one can buy those machines for personal use.

[CDreamer in reply to Peacefulneedshelp]

I bought the LIV - low intensity vibration - the machine you mentioned, very expensive & follow the exercises & supplements regime (not calcium & magnesium) recommended. Only time will tell but there are many such stories from people willing to invest time & money to improve prognosis. The drugs are very difficult and can cause more problems.

Problem is always evidence & not enough people in trials to prove efficacy. The original science for the Marodyne (LIV) was developed by NASA for astronauts returning from space with weakened bone - my Neuro Physio was very pro and gave me a lot of the original research. There are cons to using some of these machines as can cause detached retinas so you need take care and diligent to research well.

The diet recommends eating 6 prunes a day - I can struggle with that!

[Peacefulneedshelp in reply to CDreamer]

thank you for the information. 6 prunes. 2 and I am very regular I can't imagine what 6 would do. LOL. Detached retinas, wow, they must really vibrate. Can you share a website? I would like to look into it.

[Peacefulneedshelp in reply to CDreamer]

My second reply: After I comment and was wondering about prunes, another health email I get, talked about prunes. Here is a quote: :"Eating prunes may help lower the risk of bone loss and improve gut health, and has been shown in multiple studies to help lower the risk of colon cancer"

[opal11uk]

I take Alendronic Acid once a week and a Calcium supplement daily. I do not, to my knowledge, have Osteoporosis however I broke my hip 2 years ago at the age of 78, I had been taking the supplement since having breast cancer in 2008, and the specialist requested I take the Alendronic Acid once a week for 5 years. Neither of these have had any effect on my A/F I'm pleased to say.

[Hidden]

Hello, sorry to hear of your concern. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and the endocrinologist after noting the rate of decline, suggested I use a medication called Evenity (Romusosumab). He assured my cardiologist that there should be no interaction. So, I've had a 1- year course, two needles same day monthly - even gave myself a few jabs - and no issues for my AF, and no side effects that can occur with flu of Covid shots. It's a newish drug, and I'm due to get my follow up scan. Evenity is different from Prolia because it works via the immune system. It cost me $A400 x 8 plus 4 at no cost (Australia). Best wishes.

[ijregner in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much

[smwdorset]

I have PAF and osteoporosis too. My rheumatologist rejected Prolia for me for the very reason you’d rate

She put me on Evenity for a year which has been fine and then I will go onto a yearly infusion of something but not prolonged days

Good luck but do push back on the arrhythmia risk as not all bone specialist understand AF . At least they should consult your EP before prescribing it

[ijregner in reply to smwdorset]

Thank you so much

[smwdorset]

sorry for gobbledygook I meant not promos in my Last sentence

[AVNA]

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2021 after a bone density test and indicated to have the Prolia injection meds every 6 months and so far it has not affected my AF.