8. Alcohol: The Intoxicating Path to AFIB
Alcohol, often regarded as a harmless social indulgence, can sometimes lead one down an intoxicating path to AFIB. Binge drinking or chronic heavy drinking, in particular, can be detrimental to heart health, triggering what is known as “holiday heart syndrome” – episodes of arrhythmia, including AFIB, following bouts of heavy drinking.
How does alcohol lead to AFIB? The exact mechanism isn’t entirely clear, but several theories exist. Alcohol can directly affect the cells responsible for the heart’s electrical activity, disrupt the autonomic nervous system that controls heart rate, induce sleep apnea, and even lead to high blood pressure – all factors contributing to AFIB.
Moreover, heavy drinking can lead to weight gain and liver disease, which in turn can increase the risk of AFIB. Therefore, moderating alcohol consumption is an essential step towards preventing AFIB. It’s crucial to understand that indulgence in moderation is key, and what seems like a harmless habit can sometimes spiral into serious health consequences. (8)
