Guest guest Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Blood Thinner Boosts Elderly Fracture Risk THURSDAY, Feb. 2 () -- A widely used blood thinner, warfarin, may raise risks for osteoporosis-linked fractures in the e--lderly, a new U.S. study finds. The findings suggest that doctors need to carefully monitor the bone health of people taking warfarin and that these patients should take steps to reduce their risk of osteoporosis, the researchers said. Warfarin, sold under the brand name Coumadin, is often prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation (irregular heart contractions). The condition is often accompanied by danagerous blood clots. Warfarin interferes with vitamin K's role in clotting and prevents formation of blood clots. But vitamin K also interacts with a protein that's vital for bone formation, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. That means warfarin's interference with vitamin K can affect bone strength. --HealthDay News Osteoporosis is a associated with periodontal (gum) disease. Weakened boney support creates loosening of the teeth and deepening of subgingival pockets. Infection from these pockets directly affect heart function and health negatively. Jerry Mittelman, DDS, FAPM Reply with your name and street or po box address for your freecopy of The Holistic Dental Digest PLUS, now in its 27th year and helping people on 5 continents. --What dentists aren't likely to learn in Dental School Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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