Alcohol and Atrial Fibrillation: A Sobering Review

Title
Alcohol and Atrial Fibrillation: A Sobering Review
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2016
Journal
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Volume
68
Issue
23
Pagination
2567 - 2576
Date published
2016
Abstract

Alcohol is popular in Western culture, supported by a perception that modest intake is cardioprotective. However, excessive drinking has detrimental implications for cardiovascular disease. Atrial fibrillation (AF) following an alcohol binge or the “holiday heart syndrome” is well characterized. However, more modest levels of alcohol intake on a regular basis may also increase the risk of AF. The pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the relationship between alcohol and AF may include direct toxicity and alcohol's contribution to obesity, sleep-disordered breathing, and hypertension. We aim to provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiology and pathophysiology by whichalcohol may be responsible for AF and determine whether alcohol abstinence is required for patients with AF.