Men skip a beat earlier

MEN are being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat condition a decade earlier than women on average.

A major study has shown being overweight is a major risk factor for the condition, which is known as atrial fibrillation. It happens when the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beat, causing dizziness, tiredness and shortness of breath. It increases the risk of stroke by five times.

But German researchers were surprised to find that higher cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease, lowered the likelihood of diagnosis.