But in recent years, the weight of the evidence has pointed to moderate drinking as a culprit in a-fib, said Dr. David Conen, co-author of an editorial published with the study.
He cited a 2020 clinical trial that involved atrial fibrillation patients who were moderate drinkers. Those who were randomly assigned to cut down on drinking — to about two drinks a week — substantially reduced their a-fib episodes.
Still, Conen said, when it comes to people without known atrial fibrillation, the benefits of curbing moderate drinking are unclear.
That’s, in part, because studies have linked lighter drinking to some positives — including lower risks of heart attack and heart failure.
Those studies do not prove cause-effect, either, said Conen, an associate professor of medicine at McMaster University, in Canada.
But it all leaves moderate drinkers with a decision: Maintain a habit that’s linked with certain heart benefits, or cut down and potentially gain a different benefit.
One thing is certain, Conen said: No one should start drinking in the hopes of improving their heart health.
Alcohol, he noted, does not only affect the heart, but the liver, brain and other vital systems, too. And intoxication has more immediate risks, like accidents.
