Alcohol Abstinence in Drinkers with Atrial Fibrillation

This randomized trial evaluated alcohol abstinence in 140 regular drinkers (≥10 drinks/week) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Participants were assigned to abstinence (70 patients) or usual consumption (70 patients). Over 6 months, the abstinence group reduced intake by 87.5% (61% achieved complete abstinence), while controls reduced by 19.5%. Abstinence significantly prolonged time to AF recurrence (HR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36–0.84; P=0.005) and reduced AF burden (median 0.5% vs. 1.2% time in AF; P=0.01). Secondary benefits included weight loss (−3.7 kg) and fewer AF-related hospitalizations (9% vs. 20%). The study supports alcohol abstinence as a modifiable risk factor for AF management.

This randomized trial evaluated alcohol abstinence in 140 regular drinkers (≥10 drinks/week) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Participants were assigned to abstinence (70 patients) or usual consumption (70 patients). Over 6 months, the abstinence group reduced intake by 87.5% (61% achieved complete abstinence), while controls reduced by 19.5%. Abstinence significantly prolonged time to AF recurrence (HR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36–0.84; P=0.005) and reduced AF burden (median 0.5% vs. 1.2% time in AF; P=0.01). Secondary benefits included weight loss (−3.7 kg) and fewer AF-related hospitalizations (9% vs. 20%). The study supports alcohol abstinence as a modifiable risk factor for AF management.