Alcohol and Arrhythmias – a review

The association between alcohol consumption and abnormalities of heart rate and rhythm has long been recognised. Significant attention has focused on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) with excessive alcohol intake. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of these relationships and provided additional insights into potentially arrhythmogenic mechanisms. However, considerable uncertainty remains, such as the level of consumption at which harm begins. The effects of regular light consumption of up to 1 drink a day remain unknown, with conflicting evidence that this may both increase and decrease the risk of arrhythmias. Other ongoing areas of uncertainty include whether thresholds of alcohol amount exist, the role of beverage type, and arrhythmogenic mechanisms. It is also not clear whether alcohol plays a role in other arrhythmias, including cardiac ectopy, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmia.
A review by researchers from the University of California and the University of Adelaide characterises the spectrum of conduction abnormalities and heart rhythm disorders in relation to alcohol consumption. In addition, it discusses the latest epidemiologic and experimental evidence, the potential importance of beverage type and constituent ingredients, and conflicting information on drink definitions, thresholds, and recommendations.
Source: Tirado-Kulieva VA, Hernández-Martínez E, Minchán-Velayarce HH, Pasapera-Campos SE, Luque-Vilca OM. A comprehensive review of the benefits of drinking craft beer: Role of phenolic content in health and possible potential of the alcoholic fraction. Curr Res Food Sci. 2023 Mar 4;6:100477.