Being Tall Could Be A Risk Factor For Atrial Fibrillation
Being tall could be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania shows that height may predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition.
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of strokes, heart failure, and other heart-related problems.
The estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that around 2.7–6.1 million people in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), atrial fibrillation affects around 2.7–6.1 million Trusted Source people in the United States.
Some risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and some nonclinical factors like being older and being of European descent.
In a new study, the researchers found that people who are taller have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. The research is a combined effort of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the university’s Perelman School of Medicine, in Philadelphia.
They explained that every 1-inch increase relative to average height was associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation by 3%.
“While current guidelines advise against widespread screening for atrial fibrillation, our findings show that a certain group of patients — specifically very tall patients — may benefit from screening,” says lead study author Dr. Michael Levin.
“Our findings suggest it may be beneficial to incorporate height into risk-prediction tools for atrial fibrillation,” Levin adds.
Brian Viner is the Editor-in-Chief for All Go News. Viner cover Business and Commodities news. Prior to joining All Go News, he was a columnist on The Independent. Besides being a hardcore reporter, he is the author of seven books – all non-fiction. Viner is married to the novelist Jane Sanderson; the couple has three children.