Beta-blockers increase bone mineral density.
Authors of animal studies suggest that beta-blockers stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone resorption. On the other hand, data in humans are limited and conflicting results exist in literature. We conducted a prospective case-control study in order to investigate the effects of beta-blockers on bone mineral density in the elderly population. None of the patients were receiving anti-resorptive medicine. Bone mineral density of 50 beta-blocker users was significantly greater at all measured skeletal sites compared with 100 nonusers. Bone mineral density for total hip and spine (beta-blocker users and nonusers) were, 0.85 +/- 0.13, 0.80 +/- 0.11 and 0.90 +/- 0.15, 0.83 +/- 0.12, respectively. Our results suggest that use of beta-blockers is associated with an increase in bone mineral density.


METHODS
Therapeutic study, LEVEL III (case control study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence.
Turker
Sonay
S
Department of Cardiology, Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Karatosun
Vasfi
V
Gunal
Izge
I
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists