Alcohol and Atrial Fibrillation

Dietary habits, including alcohol consumption, are among the significant risk factors for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The pathophysiological relationship between alcohol consumption and AF is complex and multifactorial. However, there is conflicting information about the impact of alcohol consumption (in various doses and types) on the risk of AF and AF-related outcomes. Alcohol consumption is significantly associated with AF in a gender-independent manner. The widespread belief that moderate amounts of alcohol, especially red wine, have cardioprotective effects may mean that more people will use alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol regularly consumed increase the risk of AF. In this narrative review, we will review the epidemiological associations between alcohol and AF, and the implications for incident AF and AF-related outcomes.