Researchers link Alzheimer's to heart disorder

U.S. researchers have released a study linking a common heart disorder with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, based on clinical data from more than 37,000 patients, revealed that patients under the age of 70 were at 130 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer's if they also suffered from the heart dysfunction known as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia and occurs when the heart's natural pace-making node is overrun by dozens of other electrical impulses, causing the heart to beat erratically. In the past, several research projects had connected the heart disorder to a 187 percent increase in all types of dementia, but never directly with Alzheimer's. The results of the study were presented in full to the Heart Rhythm Society in Boston last week - redOrbit