Alcohol Consumption May Increase Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that can interrupt the normal flow of blood. A recent study suggests that consuming one alcohol drink per day may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by 16% compared to drinking no alcohol.

Participants in the study included 107,845 adults with an average age of 47.8. They provided information about their medical history, alcohol consumption, and tobacco consumption at the beginning of the study. Participants were followed for an average of 14 years, and all incidences of atrial fibrillation were recorded.

The researchers found that participants who consumed one alcoholic drink per day had a 16% increased risk of atrial fibrillation compared to those who consumed no alcohol. Participants who consumed 2 alcoholic drinks per day had a 28% increased risk of atrial fibrillation and those who consumed more than 4 alcoholic drinks per day had a 47% increased risk.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University Heart and Vascular Center.It was published online ahead of print on January 13, 2021 in the European Heart Journal.