Researchers Found A Link Between Alcohol Consumption And Irregular Hearbeat

A recent study shows that as little as one to three alcoholic drinks a day may increase the risk for irregular heart beat or atrial fibrillation.

It was calculated that between 2006 to 2010, there were 2.5 million years of potential life lost due to excessive alcohol consumption that shortens the lives of those who died from an alcohol-related problem by 30 years.

According to Medical News Today, Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that moderate drinking is only up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Moderate alcohol intake may also have some health benefits to human body. It has been shown to reduce the risk for heart disease like coronary artery disease, and have overall protective effects against stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Professor Peter Kistler of Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute and Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, leads the research to study the link between irregular heartbeat and moderate drinking.

The research team reviewed 100 studies that show light to moderate alcohol consumption is good for some people and reduces the risk of heart disease.

However, analysis also shows that even if in light to moderation in alcohol intake may have some health benefits, it may also cause the heart to beat irregularly or arrhythmia / atrial fibrillation.

Professor Kistler explains that "while moderate amounts of alcohol appear protective for the 'plumbing' of blood supply to the heart muscle, the benefits of alcohol do not extend to the electrical parts of the heart or heartbeat. People continue to consume alcohol at moderate rates may also notice their irregular heartbeats become more frequent. This is concerning, because it can lead to serious issues like heart failure and stroke."

Per Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, findings from the study conducted in Karolinska Institute in Sweden also confirms the relationship between the irregular heartbeat and alcohol consumption.

The researchers found an increase in risk for atrial fibrillation with moderately drinking wine and liquor.

The study defined moderation to be one to three alcohol drinks a day. But the team also discovers that in spreading out alcohol consumption over a week, might mean less severe atrial fibrillation.

Also, based in the findings, Dr. Bruce Wilkoff, Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Caste Western Reserve University, said, "alcohol in moderation means not everyday and in small amounts, is probably okay. But, if symptoms may be noticed, stop." Dr. Wilkoff added that by not drinking, it may potentially stop the atrial fibrillation and prevent long-term damage.