Older Age and Low Fitness Levels Linked to Heartbeat Irregularities That Affect Future Heart Health

Recent research highlights that advancing age and reduced aerobic fitness significantly increase the risk of developing heartbeat irregularities, known as arrhythmias, which can signal future cardiovascular problems. The study focused on healthy adults aged 40 to 60, with no prior heart symptoms, and was presented at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid.

The investigation found strong associations between atrial arrhythmias—such as atrial fibrillation—and both older age and lower fitness levels. Participants with diminished fitness had a higher incidence of complex atrial arrhythmias, which are irregular and often rapid heartbeats originating in the upper chambers of the heart. Additionally, older age was linked with an increased prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias, which involve irregularities in the lower chambers.

The findings underscore the potential benefits of age-based arrhythmia screening, particularly starting from age 50, to enable early detection and intervention for heart disease. Importantly, maintaining good physical fitness appears to have a protective effect against the development of arrhythmias, even in individuals who currently have no symptoms.

Led by Dr. Amit Moses from the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel, the research emphasizes that subtle changes in heart rhythm—detected through continuous monitoring—can serve as early warnings. These irregularities may develop years before symptoms manifest, providing a window for preventive measures. Dr. Moses stressed that regular exercise tailored to one's age and capacity, including activities like walking, cycling, or running, is vital for heart health.

The study involved 1,151 participants without heart disease, monitored through portable electrocardiography during stress tests. Researchers analyzed the burden of premature contractions and noted that increased occurrence of arrhythmias correlates with both age and fitness. Notably, the study revealed that the risk of arrhythmia rises approximately 9% per year for atrial and 4% per year for ventricular types, with a significant increase in prevalence starting from the 50–54 age group.

While arrhythmias in healthy individuals were historically considered harmless, emerging evidence suggests that a high burden of irregular heartbeats may predispose to future cardiovascular disease. Therefore, early identification of risk factors, especially in middle-aged adults, is crucial. The researchers acknowledge that further studies are necessary to determine if lifestyle modifications, exercise, or medications can effectively reduce long-term risks.

In summary, these insights highlight the importance of maintaining fitness and monitoring heart health in middle-aged adults to prevent the progression of arrhythmias and associated cardiovascular conditions.