Fast heart rate in the elderly increases the risk of dementia! Swedish study

A Swedish study of more than 2,000 older adults showed that a faster resting heart rate was associated with a higher risk of dementia and faster cognitive decline, regardless of whether they had cardiovascular disease or not.

Studies have shown that compared with people with a resting heart rate of 60-69 beats/min, people with a resting heart rate ≥80 beats/min have a 55% increased risk of dementia.

After excluding elderly people with cardiovascular disease or those who develop cardiovascular disease, a fast resting heart rate still increases the risk of dementia.

The study also found that cognitive function scores continue to decline with aging, but those with a resting heart rate ≥ 80 beats/min decline faster than those with a resting heart rate of 60-69 beats/min.

This coincides with the results of the previously published ARIC study, which showed that a resting heart rate ≥80 beats/min in middle age will increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in old age.

The researchers believe that the importance of this study lies in helping to identify older adults at risk of cognitive decline in different settings.

If cognitive function in these people with a fast resting heart rate is intervened early, the onset of dementia may be delayed, which has a huge impact on the patient's quality of life. If research confirms a causal relationship, lowering heart rate may be considered an intervention target.

Additionally, the researchers note that this study supports the strong connection between heart and brain health.

The Swedish study analyzed a total of 2,147 elderly people, and during a median follow-up of 11.4 years, 289 people were diagnosed with dementia.

Source: China Circulation Magazine