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Risk Factors for Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disturbances)

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disturbances)

A risk factor increases the chances of getting a disease or health problem. You can have arrhythmias with or without any of these listed below. The more risks you have, the higher your chances of having them. Talk to your doctor about the steps you need to take to lower your risk.

Aging

Arrhythmias are more common in people who are aged 60 years and older. It's in part due to wear and tear of an older heart. Other health or heart problems may also play a role. People who are older are more likely to have many health problems.

References

  • Arrhythmia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/arrhythmia. Accessed January 4, 2019.
  • Atrial fibrillation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115288/Atrial-fibrillation. Updated August 22, 2018. Accessed January 4, 2019.
  • Atrial flutter. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115251/Atrial-flutter. Updated February 22, 2017. Accessed January 4, 2019.
  • Atrioventricular (AV) conduction disorders. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T907302/Atrioventricular-AV-conduction-disorders. Updated November 27, 2017. Accessed January 4, 2019.
  • Understanding your risk for arrhythmia. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/understand-your-risk-for-arrhythmia. Accessed January 4, 2019.
  • Ventricular arrhythmias. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909129/Ventricular-arrhythmias. Updated October 19, 2018. Accessed January 4, 2019.
  • 7/1/2015 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115288/Atrial-fibrillation: Qureshi WT, O'Neal WT, Khodneva Y, et al. Association between opioid use and atrial fibrillation: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(6):1058-1060.

Contributors

  • Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated:
2018-12-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.