[Alcohol and atrial fibrillation].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent heart rhythm disorder affecting 3% of the global population.
• Acute alcohol consumption, or binge drinking, is a known trigger for AF episodes, often termed 'holiday heart syndrome'.
• Observational studies indicate a significant association between high alcohol consumption and increased AF risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation (AF).
• To evaluate the impact of different alcohol consumption levels on AF risk and complications.
• To assess the effect of alcohol reduction on AF recurrence in diagnosed patients.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analyses of observational studies examining alcohol consumption and AF risk.
• Review of studies on the association between low, moderate, and heavy alcohol intake and AF.
• Analysis of Mendelian randomization studies to explore causal relationships.
• Evaluation of clinical recommendations for alcohol abstinence in AF patients.

Main Results:

• High alcohol consumption is significantly associated with an increased risk of AF.
• The association between low/moderate alcohol consumption and AF risk is debated, possibly existing only at one drink per day or more.
• Heavy alcohol consumption increases AF complication risks, while light/moderate intake does not.
• Mendelian randomization studies provide conflicting results regarding a causal link between alcohol and AF.
• Alcohol abstinence in diagnosed AF patients led to a significant reduction in AF recurrence.

Conclusions:

• While a definitive causal link between alcohol and AF remains unconfirmed, evidence suggests high consumption increases risk.
• Reducing alcohol intake, particularly in diagnosed AF patients, effectively decreases AF episode recurrence.
• Further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship, but limiting alcohol is advisable for AF management.