Common Meds affect fractures
Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythms. Some heart attack patients also receive medication to prevent a second attack. Diuretics are used to remove excess water from the body.
Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland examined more than 30000 patients with fractures and then compared with 120000 patients without fractures.
Researchers found patients who took beta-blockers for an average of six months or more had 23 percent lower risk of developing a fracture. If patients not taking a diuretic, they had a 20 - percent less risk, and the combination of drugs reduced their risk by 29 per cent.
"Many elderly patients with hypertension are at risk of developing osteoporosis, and can potentially benefit from the positive effects of the relatively inexpensive beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics on fracture risk," write the authors of the study .
While the results are significant, the researchers say they have been unable to eliminate all elements to eliminate the error. They did not diet or exercise when looking at this research.