Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.6K

Heavy alcohol consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation. The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS)

Fumihiko Sano1, Tetsuya Ohira, Akihiko Kitamura

  • 1Public Health, Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|February 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Heavy alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Asian populations. This study highlights the importance of monitoring alcohol intake to prevent AF incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited data exists on alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in Asian populations.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health initiatives and preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between varying levels of alcohol consumption and the incidence of AF.
  • To provide evidence specific to a Japanese population cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study (Circulatory Risk in Communities Study - CIRCS) involving 8,602 Japanese adults.
  • Data collected on weekly alcohol intake, with AF incidence ascertained through ECGs, medical history, and surveillance over a median of 6.4 years.
  • Cox proportional hazard models used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • A total of 296 AF incidents were recorded during the follow-up period.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption (ethanol intake >69g/day) was associated with a significantly higher risk of AF.
  • Compared to never-drinkers, heavy drinkers had a multivariable-adjusted HR of 2.90 (95% CI: 1.61-5.23) for incident AF.

Conclusions:

  • Heavy alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation.
  • Findings underscore the need for public health awareness regarding heavy drinking and cardiovascular health, particularly AF.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.2K
Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats11:01

Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats

Published on: December 14, 2014

9.5K

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
890
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
365
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
741
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.8K
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
28
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to...
42