In Drosophila, a mild reduction of β1-Integrin or Integrin-linked kinase (Ilk) expression in cardiomyocytes appears cardioprotective and may mitigate the effects of age-dependent Integrin accumulation, resulting in reduced incidence of arrhythmia with age, as well as decreased myocardial stiffness and increased lifespan. Here, ILK is linked to cardiac arrhythmia.