7. Alcohol: A Two-faced Risk for Afib in Women
Alcohol, often considered a social lubricant, has a complex relationship with heart health. While moderate alcohol consumption might have some heart benefits, excessive drinking can undoubtedly harm the heart. Let’s understand how alcohol stirs up the risk of Afib in women.
Excessive alcohol consumption, over time, can lead to multiple health problems, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and strokes, all of which are risk factors for Afib. In addition, binge drinking can directly lead to a phenomenon known as “holiday heart syndrome,” an irregular heartbeat pattern often in the form of Afib.
Alcohol can interfere with the body’s electrolyte balance, specifically affecting potassium levels, an essential electrolyte involved in heart’s electrical activity. Imbalances in potassium levels can make the heart more susceptible to arrhythmias like Afib.
Additionally, heavy drinking can lead to weight gain, contribute to obesity and sleep apnea, each of which is a significant risk factor for Afib. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume alcohol in moderation. If you don’t drink, there’s no need to start for any potential heart benefits, as the potential risks can outweigh the benefits.
While the causes discussed so far primarily relate to lifestyle or health conditions, our next section will focus on a condition specific to women – pregnancy. (7)
