It’s no secret that excess alcohol consumption can result in numerous adverse health effects. According to an article in the Pharmacy Times, researchers sought to understand how excess alcohol consumption increased the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) in young adults. For the purpose of this study, young adults were considered to be between 20-39 years old. 

The Study

Prior research suggests that around 48.5% of heavy drinkers are between ages 20-24. Someone who drinks heavily for four or more consecutive years is more likely to continue drinking heavily throughout their lives. So what would happen, and how did this affect AFib risk? To better understand the relation, the researchers evaluated data from 1,537,836 young adults sourced from the Korean National Health Information Database. 

Over a four-year period, the patients underwent several health exams; researchers used a point-based system to determine the burden of alcohol consumption. For example, those who drank 105-210g of alcohol (3.7-7.4oz) weekly were considered moderate drinkers; those who drank more than 7.4oz weekly were considered heavy drinkers. Next, researchers evaluated the participants over a six-year follow-up to determine whether this consumption altered AFib risk.

Ultimately, the researchers found that those with moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption habits had a 25% higher risk of developing AFib when compared to other drinkers, and a 47% higher risk when compared to those who don’t drink at all. 

The research team acknowledges that this study had its limitations. While the findings are concerning, it does not consider all potential comorbidities or health considerations, nor does it concretely mean that drinkers will experience AFib. However, the findings do suggest that those who drink should be aware of the potential heart risk. 

About Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) 

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular (and often rapid) heart rate. This condition increases the risk of heart-related complications, blood clots, strokes, or heart failure. There are four main forms of AFib, which are occasional/paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing, and permanent. 

Atrial fibrillation results from chaotic electrical signals in the heart’s upper two chambers. These usually occur as a result of some sort of damage or illness. For example, sleep apnea, congenital heart defects, sick sinus syndrome, metabolic imbalances, and stimulant exposure may all cause atrial fibrillation. This is not an exhaustive list of causes.

Symptoms related to this condition can (but do not always) include: 

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Exercise intolerance (a reduced ability to exercise)
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Confusion