Heavy Drinking Increases Stroke Risk

New findings regarding the effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health have been published ahead of print in an online issue of the journal "Circulation". Heavy alcohol use significantly increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal irregular heart rhythm that is a major cause of stroke, a team of researchers led by Dr. Kenneth Mukamal has found.

The prospective cohort study analyzed the results of 16,415 men and women who took part in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. The participants' degree of alcohol consumption was self-reported and investigated by means of structured questionnaires. Use of beer, wine and spirits was ascertained at up to three study visits.

Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre also identified the cases of atrial fibrillation among the participants, by ECGs and records of all hospitalizations. 1071 cases were discovered during the follow-up period.

There was no association between alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation in moderate drinkers. However, among men who had more than 35 drinks per week, risk of atrial fibrillation increased with 45%. There were few women who consumed 35 or more drinks per week.

During atrial fibrillation, electrical signals are generated chaotically throughout the atria of the heart, which leads to improper flow of blood from the heart. This may cause blood clots that can travel from the heart to the brain, causing stroke. Atrial fibrillation is perceived in the form of uncomfortable palpitations.

"Approximately 5% of cases of atrial fibrillation among men were attributable to heavy alcohol use", researchers say. They also found that the relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation was not due to the adverse effects of alcohol on blood pressure or coronary heart disease.

Controlling the risk factors is the best method of prevention of atrial fibrillation, and thus, of blood clotting complications.

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