Effects of alcohol on atrial fibrillation: myths and truths

Alcohol is the most consumed drug worldwide. Both acute and chronic alcohol use have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias, in particular atrial fibrillation, or so-called 'holiday heart syndrome'. Epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies have attempted to elucidate the mechan...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease 2009-02, Vol.3 (1), p.53-63
Main Authors: Balbão, Carlos E.B., de Paola, Angelo A.V., Fenelon, Guilherme
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Action Potentials
Alcohol Drinking - adverse effects
Alcohol Drinking - epidemiology
Alcohol Drinking - history
Animals
Arrhythmias, Cardiac - epidemiology
Arrhythmias, Cardiac - etiology
Arrhythmias, Cardiac - physiopathology
Atrial Fibrillation - epidemiology
Atrial Fibrillation - etiology
Atrial Fibrillation - physiopathology
Electrocardiography
Ethanol - adverse effects
Heart Conduction System - drug effects
Heart Conduction System - physiopathology
History, Ancient
Holidays
Humans
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Syndrome
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Summary:Alcohol is the most consumed drug worldwide. Both acute and chronic alcohol use have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias, in particular atrial fibrillation, or so-called 'holiday heart syndrome'. Epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this association. However, because most of these studies have shown conflicting results, the connection between ethanol and atrial arrhythmias remains controversial. Historical, epidemiological and pharmacological aspects of alcohol, as well as recent concepts on atrial fibrillation are reviewed. We then examine the literature and provide a critical point of view on the still elusive association between alcohol and atrial fibrillation.
ISSN:1753-9447
1753-9455
DOI:10.1177/1753944708096380