Heavy Drinking Greatly Increases Risk of Atrial Fibrillation, According to Study
Study Finds Drinking Less Can Significantly Lower Risks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
202-464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org
DENVER — People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol were almost three times (2.8) more likely than moderate drinkers and non-drinkers to suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a new study presented today at Heart Rhythm 2007, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 28th Annual Scientific Sessions. Moderate drinkers did not face significantly greater risks of AF, the nation’s most common irregular heart rhythm that increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The study found that even a small reduction of alcohol consumption could lead to significant declines in AF incidence.
“The good news for people who are already drinking more than they should is that by making small changes in their drinking patterns, they may be able to significantly reduce their chances of developing this troublesome arrhythmia,” said Joe Martins, M.D., lead author and a cardiologist at the Imperial College in London.
The study recorded the weekly alcohol consumption over 26 months of 203 patients with first-detected AF and 781 patients without AF at the Rapid Access Arrhythmia Clinic at London’s Charing Cross Hospital. Moderate alcohol consumption was equal (48 percent) in both patients with and without AF. Excessive consumption was considerably higher in patients with AF compared to patients without AF (27 percent vs. 17 percent, respectively).
The study defined excess drinking as the amount above the recommended weekly allowance of 21 units for men and 14 units for women. Two units are roughly equal to a pint of beer. Compared to non-drinkers, excessive drinkers increased their risk of AF by two percent for each additional unit per week they consumed.
“Because alcohol excess was prevalent in almost one in five (19%) patients assessed, targeting this behavior could potentially lead to a substantial reduction in the population burden of AF,” concluded Dr. Martins.
Session details: (AB16-1) (PO2-103) “The Role of Moderate Alcohol Intake in First-detected Atrial Fibrillation: The Imperial College New AF Study” [May 10, 9:00 AM, Poster Session #2, Exhibit Hall]
HEART RHYTHM 2007 takes place May 9-12 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The meeting is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering over 400 educational opportunities in multiple formats and over 125 innovative products and services for the heart rhythm management field. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including advances in statins, cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure and the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.
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About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of over 4,000 heart rhythm professionals in more than 60 countries around the world.
