The heart and brain are affected by an irregular heartbeat
THURSDAY, JUNE 06, 2013 10:13 AM

If a heart beats slower or faster than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong with this vital organ. According to the results of a new University of Alabama at Birmingham study, an irregular heartbeat could signal cognitive problems as well.

Based on this research, which appears in the American Academy of Neurology's "Neurology" medical journal, individuals who have atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, may also be at risk of developing memory and thinking problems. To arrive at these results, researchers used data from 5,150 participants. The 11 percent of individuals who developed an irregular heartbeat also tended to receive lower scores on memory and thinking tests.

"Problems with memory and thinking are common for people as they get older," said study author Evan L. Thacker. "Our study shows that on average, problems with memory and thinking may start earlier or get worse more quickly in people who have atrial fibrillation. This means that heart health is an important factor related to brain health."

With this information in mind, individuals who have an irregular heartbeat may want to take an IQ test to see if they should be concerned about their brain, as well as their heart.