So how much alcohol is safe to drink for people with atrial fibrillation?
Afib and Alcohol Risk
“When you have any drink, whether it’s wine, beer, or liquor, it raises the risk of afib complications both acutely and long-term, while stopping drinking lowers the risk,” says Christopher DeSimone, MD, a cardiologist who specializes in cardiac electrophysiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
But having atrial fibrillation doesn’t mean you can never sip a glass of wine or beer again.
“The key is finding a sustainable amount, because even moderate drinking has been associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias, making it crucial for people with afib to understand the potential consequences of alcohol consumption,” says Dr. DeSimone.
The right amount for you depends on various factors, including how your body metabolizes alcohol, other health issues you may have, and the medicines you’re taking, he adds.
“Everyone’s afib is different, so while one person may be fine with one drink a day, someone else may not be able to handle more than one drink per week,” he says.
There is solid evidence to support keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum.
“There are modifiable factors that are in your control as a person with afib. How much alcohol you drink will certainly reduce your risk of afib episodes,” says DeSimone. “It’s important to know that drinking also affects other factors that trigger an afib flare, such as sleep apnea and weight gain, and it contributes to hypertension.”
What Do the Experts Recommend?
Dr. Upadhyay says people should also follow other recommendations laid out in the guidelines. “That means controlling hypertension with medication, if necessary, maintaining a body-mass index (BMI) of less than 27, controlling diabetes, giving up tobacco, and exercising for more than 210 minutes per week.”
Strategies to Drink Safely
For people with atrial fibrillation who choose to drink, DeSimone recommends the following strategies to help reduce the risk of triggering an episode.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to counter alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
- Monitor your symptoms. Keep track of how alcohol affects your symptoms, and consult your doctor if you notice any irregularities.
- Limit intake. Stick to recommended limits that you have discussed with your doctor to minimize the risk of an afib flare-up.
- Avoid binge drinking. Large amounts of alcohol in a short period increase the risk of atrial fibrillation due to the combined effects of alcohol on heart rhythms and inflammation.
- Mind your medicines. Some prescriptions do not interact well with alcohol. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol with your medication.
The Takeaway
If you have atrial fibrillation (afib), alcohol can raise your risk of heart complications. Although heavy drinking is particularly risky, even light to moderate drinking can increase the likelihood of arrhythmias. To manage afib effectively, try limiting alcohol and focus on other heart-healthy choices like regular exercise and a good night’s sleep.
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