Why age is the biggest risk factor for heart's 'inefficient rhythm'

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading global killer, with atrial fibrillation (AF) affecting over 33 million people. Projections suggest cases will triple by 2050.

To help the public navigate this growing crisis, veteran heart surgeon Dr Jeremy London shared a breakdown of the condition on 11 February.

He describes AF as an "inefficient way for the heart to beat," noting that in the operating theatre, the upper chambers look like a "wiggling bag of worms" rather than a coordinated rhythm.

Dr London highlighted several key areas regarding the condition:

Symptoms and risks

• Patients often experience palpitations, chest pain, or lightheadedness.
• Age over 55 is the single most important risk factor.
• Contributing factors include diabetes, heart failure, and high blood pressure.

The dangers

• Stroke: Men face a four-fold increase in risk, while women face a six-fold increase.
• Heart Failure: If left unmanaged, the inefficient rhythm eventually exhausts the heart.

Treatments and management

• Lifestyle modification is clearly important.
• Medications help control heart rate, while blood thinners mitigate stroke risks.
• Procedures like ablation therapy use catheters to "rewire" the heart’s electrical paths.
• The Watchman procedure can block the specific heart region where many strokes originate.

Medical knowledge is constantly evolving, but early detection remains vital. Dr London stresses that while prevention protocols are improving, "You can agree to disagree and still respect and admire each other" when discussing health choices, provided you seek professional medical advice for your specific heart health needs.

Note to readers: This article is intended for informational use and not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician regarding any medical condition inquiries.