A narrative review of chronic alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation

Title
A narrative review of chronic alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2022
Journal
Future Cardiology
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pagination
27 - 34
Date published
2022
Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent and can lead to many cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias. Chronic alcohol use has a dose-dependent relationship with incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), where higher alcohol intake (>3 drinks a day) is associated with higher risk of AF. Meanwhile, low levels of chronic alcohol intake (<1 drink a day) is not associated with increased risk of AF. Mechanistically, chronic alcohol intake alters the structural, functional and electrical integrity of the atria, predisposing to AF. Increased screening can help identify AUD patients early on and provide the opportunity to educate on chronic alcohol use related risks, such as AF. The ideal treatment to reduce risk of incident or recurrent AF in AUD populations is abstinence.