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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Published on: February 28, 2012

Alcohol-related acute atrial fibrillation. A case-control study and review of 40 patients

E C Rich, C Siebold, B Campion

    Archives of Internal Medicine
    |May 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Heavy alcohol use is linked to acute atrial fibrillation. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome may increase the risk of developing this heart rhythm disorder.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Internal Medicine
    • Addiction Medicine

    Background:

    • Heavy alcohol consumption is a common issue.
    • Acute atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia.
    • A direct link between heavy alcohol use and acute atrial fibrillation has not been previously established.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between heavy alcohol use and idiopathic acute atrial fibrillation.
    • To determine if alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a risk factor for alcohol-related atrial fibrillation.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective case-control study.
    • Involved 64 patients with idiopathic acute atrial fibrillation and 64 matched controls.
    • Data collected from general medical admissions, focusing on alcohol use documentation.

    Main Results:

    • 62% of acute atrial fibrillation cases were heavy alcohol users, compared to 33% of controls.
    • Patients with alcohol-related atrial fibrillation were more likely to show alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
    • No significant differences were observed in heart failure, ECG abnormalities, cardiomegaly, or electrolyte disturbances between groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Heavy alcohol use is a significant potential cause of acute atrial fibrillation.
    • Alcohol withdrawal syndrome may be a specific risk factor for developing alcohol-related atrial fibrillation.
    • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

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