Black adult AFib risk linked to higher resting heart rates

In a study of nearly 5,000 Black adults, a relatively higher resting heart rate was associated with increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (commonly called “AFib”), an irregular heartbeat that can have serious consequences. 

The findings were published Oct. 30 in JAMA Network Open. The study’s lead author, Dr. Vid Yogeswaran, acting instructor (Cardiology) is a cardiologist at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine. 

“This study is useful because, among Black adults, we know little about risk factors for cardiovascular disease — and specifically for AFib, which can lead to heart failure, stroke, dementia and death,” Yogeswaran said. “Paradoxically, Black adults have a lower reported clinical prevalence of atrial fibrillation than white adults, but have a much higher risk of AFib-associated consequences such as stroke and death.” 

In the study, each 10 beats-per-minute higher resting heart rate was associated with a 9% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, or AFib.