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Combination of cholesterol and osteoporosis drugs improves heart health

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Taking drugs for weak bones in addition to statin medications may help individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol results lower their blood lipids even further, according to a study published in the journal Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.

The University of Calgary researchers who conducted the study told HealthDay News that buildups of calcified cholesterol in the arties are among the top causes of heart disease. However, their results show that adding bone-strengthening medications may reduce the risk of these occurrences.

For the study, the researchers had 251 individuals with high cholesterol take either a statin medication, a bisphosphonate or a combination of the two for a period of two years. By the end of the study, MRI scans showed that participants who received both medications had fewer plaque buildups in their arteries.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. The findings could help millions of people improve their cardiovascular health and avoid the potentially serious consequences of heart disease.