Management of frailty may decrease the likelihood of arrhythmias in the elderly
The management of frailty may help lower the risks of arrhythmias in older adults.
TroibNews 
A Chinese research team has found that actively managing frailty can significantly reduce the risk of arrhythmia among elderly individuals.
The study, directed by Zhang Cuntai from Tongji Hospital, which is part of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, analyzed data from the UK Biobank and was published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.
Frailty syndrome is an age-related condition closely linked to metabolic diseases and is characterized by diminished physical activity, muscle weakness, heightened fatigue, and poor recovery from illness. Despite its evident effects on overall health, the association between frailty and arrhythmia risk in older populations has not been widely acknowledged.
The research revealed a significant and independent positive linear correlation between pre-frailty and frailty states and an increased likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other arrhythmias. Those classified as frail or pre-frail were at a greater risk of developing arrhythmias. In particular, frail individuals with a high genetic predisposition for AF faced a 234 percent higher risk of developing the condition compared to their non-frail counterparts with a low genetic risk.
This study provides scientific backing for incorporating frailty prevention and management into primary strategies for arrhythmia prevention, Zhang emphasized.
He suggested integrating frailty assessments, such as evaluations of muscle strength and activity levels, into regular health check-ups for older adults, and advocating for targeted interventions for individuals at high genetic risk.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
The study, directed by Zhang Cuntai from Tongji Hospital, which is part of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, analyzed data from the UK Biobank and was published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.
Frailty syndrome is an age-related condition closely linked to metabolic diseases and is characterized by diminished physical activity, muscle weakness, heightened fatigue, and poor recovery from illness. Despite its evident effects on overall health, the association between frailty and arrhythmia risk in older populations has not been widely acknowledged.
The research revealed a significant and independent positive linear correlation between pre-frailty and frailty states and an increased likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other arrhythmias. Those classified as frail or pre-frail were at a greater risk of developing arrhythmias. In particular, frail individuals with a high genetic predisposition for AF faced a 234 percent higher risk of developing the condition compared to their non-frail counterparts with a low genetic risk.
This study provides scientific backing for incorporating frailty prevention and management into primary strategies for arrhythmia prevention, Zhang emphasized.
He suggested integrating frailty assessments, such as evaluations of muscle strength and activity levels, into regular health check-ups for older adults, and advocating for targeted interventions for individuals at high genetic risk.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
