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Arrhythmias in centenarians
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Arrhythmias like AV block and supraventricular premature beats (SVPBs) are common in centenarians. However, very frequent ventricular premature beats (VPBs) and atrial fibrillation appear less common in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Arrhythmia prevalence increases with age.
- Little is known about arrhythmias in centenarians (individuals aged 100+).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of arrhythmias in Japanese centenarians.
- To compare cardiac electrical activity in centenarians versus younger elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- 12-lead ECG and 24-hour ambulatory monitoring were performed on 32 centenarians.
- Control group: 89 healthy elderly individuals (mean age 75) also underwent ECG and Holter monitoring.
- Statistical analysis compared findings between centenarians and controls.
Main Results:
- Centenarians showed significantly longer PQ and QTc intervals compared to controls.
- Supraventricular premature beats (SVPBs) were more frequent in centenarians (31% vs 4%).
- First- and second-degree AV block and right bundle branch block were also more common in centenarians.
Conclusions:
- Conduction disturbances in the AV nodal-His-Purkinje system are frequent in centenarians.
- Frequent SVPBs are common, but atrial fibrillation appears less prevalent than expected.
- Very frequent ventricular premature beats (VPBs) were not observed in centenarians.