Even light drinking is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib) for both sexes, according to a large cohort study by Renate Schnabel, MD, of University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, and colleagues.
Drawing on five European cohorts totalling 100 092 participants, the researchers found that 12g of alcohol (one beer can) was associated with increased risk of Afib (Hazard Ratio 1.16, 95% Confidence Interval 1.11-1.22). A small amount of alcohol (2g) per day was still marginally associated with an increase in Afib risk after 14 years (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.0-1.04). The association remained after accounting for heart failure history and the cardiac biomarkers NT-proBNP and hs-troponin I, and there was no difference in results between males and females.
There was a J-shaped relationship observed, where drinking more than 20g per day was associated with increased risk.To date, there had been little information on the cardiac effects of chronic light drinking, and the results showed that lowering alcohol intake was an important part of managing Afib, it was noted in an accompanying editorial. It was also noted that these results needed further randomised trials.
The team acknowledged the study’s limitation on relying on self-reported alcohol consumption, and also cases of Afib not being detected. The editorial noted that the study did not state the absolute risk of Afib, which needed to be taken in consideration along with the benefits of low levels of alcohol consumption
Source: MedPage Today
Journal information (primary source): Csengeri D, et al “Alcohol consumption, cardiac biomarkers, and risk of atrial fibrillation and adverse outcomes” Eur Heart J 2021; DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa953.
Journal information (secondary source): Wong JA and Conen D “Alcohol consumption, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular disease: finding the right balance” Eur Heart J 2021; DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa955.
