A new study shows that people with reduced lung function are more at risk of a common heart rhythm disorder.
Rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are increasing and there's some evidence that it might increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This is the most common of the heart rhythm disorders, characterized by breathlessness and a rapid, unco-ordinated beating of the upper chambers of the heart.

Researchers in Denmark studied a group of over 13,000 people for several years, checking their lung function at the start. They found that those with lung function 60 to 80 per cent of normal were more likely to suffer from AF in the years to come. This risk factor was independent of any other characteristics, such as smoking or blood pressure. The study suggests that people with COPD should, perhaps, be checked by electrocardiogram each year, to check whether they are developing AF, so it can be treated at an early stage.