Weston: Alcohol Worsens Heart Rhythm Problems, Experts Warn

Weston residents should understand how alcohol consumption impacts heart health, particularly concerning atrial fibrillation (AFib), medical experts advise. While often linked to liver damage, alcohol's significant effects on the heart are frequently overlooked.

Cardiac electrophysiologist Mohamed Kanj, MD, stated that alcohol negatively affects the heart regardless of quantity. It can increase the risk of developing AFib, worsen existing diagnoses and reduce treatment effectiveness. “AFib is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time,” Dr. Kanj said. “That progression will be faster if you continue drinking alcohol.”

Alcohol damages heart muscle cells, including the sinoatrial node that regulates heartbeat. It also contributes to high blood pressure, which can enlarge the heart and increase AFib risk. Furthermore, alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and a heightened state where arrhythmias are more likely. Binge drinking, defined as four or five drinks within two hours, poses particular risk and can lead to temporary holiday heart syndrome.

For individuals with AFib, drinking alcohol increases the risk of serious complications such as thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, bleeding and death, especially when combined with blood thinners or heavy drinking.

Dr. Kanj emphasized that for arrhythmia management, abstinence from alcohol is the safest approach for those diagnosed with AFib. Reducing intake can lead to fewer AFib episodes, improved well-being and more effective treatment outcomes. He noted that procedures like ablation have higher success rates for patients who reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.

For those who choose to drink occasionally, Dr. Kanj advises understanding standard drink sizes and adhering to recommended limits: no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women, with a weekly maximum of three. Individual medical advice may vary. He also encourages seeking support from healthcare providers if alcohol use is a concern, as alcohol use disorder is common and treatable.