Size may matter when it comes to a safe and steady heart. New research shows tall people may be more likely to suffer from the most common form of irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation.The study shows tall men and women with heart failure had a 60% higher risk of atrial fibrillation than short men and women with the same risk factors.Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that causes the heart to pump blood less efficiently. The condition is usually not life threatening, but if untreated it can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. People with heart failure whose hearts already pump blood ineffectively are particularly vulnerable to developing atrial fibrillation.The results of the study were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2004.
