Which statement about dysrhythmias in aging is accurate?

• A. Ectopic beats are rare in older adults
• B. Supra-ventricular rhythm abnormalities are uncommon with aging
• C. Ectopic beats become more common but are usually asymptomatic
• D. Arrhythmias never occur with aging

Answer: (C)

As people age, the heart’s electrical system becomes more prone to irregular activity. Ectopic beats—premature heartbeats that originate outside the normal pacemaker—become more common because aging tissue tends to be more irritable and conduction pathways may be fibrotic or otherwise altered. Most of these ectopic beats in older adults don’t cause symptoms, so they’re often found incidentally on routine ECGs or during monitoring.

That’s why this statement is the best. It captures the common, usually silent nature of ectopic activity in aging. By contrast, supraventricular rhythm abnormalities do increase with age (for example, atrial fibrillation becomes more prevalent), and arrhythmias can certainly occur in older adults. Statements claiming ectopic beats are rare or that arrhythmias never occur with aging aren’t accurate. If ectopy is frequent or accompanied by symptoms, it merits evaluation for underlying heart conditions.