New research presented at ESC Congress shows low fitness and age drive higher risk of early arrhythmias in healthy adults

New research presented at ESC Congress shows low fitness and age drive higher risk of early arrhythmias in healthy adults

(IN BRIEF) Research presented at ESC Congress 2025 has shown that low fitness and older age independently increase the risk of arrhythmias in otherwise healthy adults. The study of 1,151 participants aged 40–65 revealed that reduced aerobic capacity was strongly linked to frequent and complex atrial arrhythmias, while advancing age raised the risk of both atrial and ventricular disturbances. Risk of irregular heartbeats rose significantly from age 50 onwards, supporting calls for age-based screening in older adults. Lead researcher Dr Amit Moses stressed the role of exercise in protecting heart rhythm stability, noting that regular aerobic activity can help prevent arrhythmias even in people without heart disease. The findings highlight the potential for early screening and lifestyle intervention to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 27-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2025 has found that low aerobic fitness and older age are strong, independent risk factors for irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, in otherwise healthy adults. While previously considered benign, these arrhythmias are now recognized as potential indicators of future cardiovascular disease, underscoring the need for earlier screening and prevention strategies.

The study followed 1,151 adults aged 40 to 65 without heart symptoms or structural heart disease at the Institute for Medical Screening, Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel. Participants underwent exercise stress testing with continuous electrocardiography monitoring to assess fitness levels and identify irregular heartbeats. Results revealed a significant link between reduced aerobic capacity and frequent, complex atrial arrhythmias, while older age emerged as a risk factor for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Researchers observed that arrhythmia risk increased by 9% annually for atrial irregularities and 4% per year for ventricular disturbances, with a marked rise beginning in participants over 50. Multivariable analysis confirmed that low fitness and advancing age independently predicted a high atrial ectopy burden, while age and impaired kidney health were associated with higher ventricular ectopy burden.

“These findings are a powerful reminder that the heart often whispers before it shouts,” said lead author Dr Amit Moses of Chaim Sheba Medical Center. “Frequent irregular beats can serve as early warning signs long before symptoms appear, giving us an opportunity to intervene earlier and change the course of disease.”

Dr Moses emphasized the particularly strong correlation between low aerobic fitness and frequent atrial arrhythmias, reinforcing the importance of maintaining physical activity throughout life. “Regular exercise, tailored to age and capacity, can be as simple as walking, cycling, or running. These accessible activities are critical to preserving heart rhythm stability and reducing long-term cardiovascular risks,” he noted.

The results support the introduction of age-based arrhythmia screening in people over 50, even in those without symptoms, to allow earlier detection and intervention. While more research is needed to confirm causality and to expand findings across more diverse populations, this study suggests that promoting fitness and targeted screening could play an important role in reducing future cardiovascular burden.

The abstract “Aging and arrhythmias: identifying early risk factors in healthy individuals” will be presented on 1 September at ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid.

References and notes:

*Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can occur when the electrical impulses that regulate heartbeats do not function properly.

**Structural heart disease is heart disease that affects the heart’s walls, valves and chambers

1. Eligibility and Disqualification Recommendations for Competitive Athletes With Cardiovascular Abnormalities: Task Force 9: Arrhythmias and Conduction Defects: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology.Zipes DP, Link MS, Ackerman MJ, et al.Circulation. 2015;132(22):e315-25. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000245.

2. Arrhythmias in Patients ≥80 Years of Age: Pathophysiology, Management, and Outcomes. Curtis AB, Karki R, Hattoum A, Sharma UC.j ournal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;71(18):2041-2057. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.03.019.

The abstract « Aging and arrhythmias: identifying early risk factors in healthy individuals » will be presented at the session Genetics, syndromes, and early detection in arrhythmias which takes place on 1 September from 08:15 to 09:00 am CEST at Station 6 – Research Gateway

About ESC Congress 2025

It is the world’s largest gathering of cardiovascular professionals, disseminating ground-breaking science both onsite in Madrid and online – from 29 August to 1 September 2025. Explore the scientific programme. More information is available from the ESC Press Office at press@escardio.org.

About the European Society of Cardiology

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