Those who have atrial fibrillation (AF) may want to steer clear of alcohol. According to new research by UC San Francisco, alcohol consumption could substantially increase the chance of the heart rhythm condition within a few hours.
This study goes against some previous studies that suggested alcohol could be “cardioprotective.” But researchers are firm on their belief that those with atrial fibrillation should avoid alcohol. Even one alcoholic drink has been found to increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat.
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As the most common heart arrhythmia, the research surrounding atrial fibrillation has largely focused on risk factors for developing the disease and therapies to treat it. This new study aimed to find the factors that determine when and where an episode may occur. This is an important contribution to the science of atrial arrhythmia because it can lead to loss of quality of life, high healthcare costs, stroke, and even death.
Atrial Fibrillation Study
Researchers analyzed 100 patients who had atrial fibrillation and consumed at least one alcoholic drink per month for the study. All patients were recruited from the general cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology outpatient clinics at UCSF. Those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse were excluded.
Each participant wore an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor for four weeks and was advised to press a button whenever they had an alcoholic beverage. There were also fitted with an alcohol sensor, and blood tests were periodically given over the four weeks. Participants consumed an average of one drink per week throughout the study period.
It was found that an AF episode was associated with two-fold higher odds with one alcoholic drink and three-fold higher odds with two or more drinks within four hours of consuming the beverage. AF episodes were also found to be associated with an increased blood alcohol concentration.
“The effects seem to be fairly linear: the more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk of an acute AF event,” said Marcus. “These observations mirror what has been reported by patients for decades, but this is the first objective, measurable evidence that a modifiable exposure may acutely influence the chance that an AF episode will occur.”
The study adds to previous evidence that suggests the occurrence of atrial fibrillation might be neither random nor unpredictable. Understanding the triggers may be a way to identify and modify treatments for an acute heart arrhythmia episode.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
