A heart monitor may predict a risk for a disorder of the heart rhythm in humans called atrial fibrillation, according to a new study, Newsmax Health reports.

Researchers found that people who have a greater number of heart contractions called premature atrial contractions have a substantially higher risk for atrial fibrillation. These types of contractions can be detected by a 24-hour Holter monitor.

A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously monitors the electrical activity of a person's heart.

The study included 1,260 people, aged 65 and older, who had not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring. Those with a higher number of premature atrial contractions had an 18 percent increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Currently, doctors use a complex prediction model based on body size and other factors plus data from electrocardiograms to calculate risk for atrial fibrillation.