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Today in the “ah, cripes” news: Taking a small alcoholic drink a day apparently increases the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to dizziness, palpitations and possibly even stroke. Yes, wine team with dinner, that means you.
According to a recent report in the European Heart Journal, people who consumed as little as 12 grams of ethanol per day – a 12-ounce beer, a four-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits – were 16% more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat, or atrial fibrillation, during the study. The study looked at the heart health and drinking habits of 108,000 people aged 24 to 97 over a 14-year period.
Does this nullify the long held belief that a little alcohol protects against heart failure? No, not exactly. According to the study, the risk of heart failure is generally lower for people who drink small amounts than for those who drink a lot or those who abstain completely. But the study found that the risk of atrial fibrillation steadily increased from 16% for those who drank one small drink per day, to 28% for up to two drinks and 47% for more than four drinks per day.
An irregular heartbeat may not seem like the worst thing in the world, but it can have serious consequences. The Guardian reports that people with atrial fibrillation have a 5% to 7% annual risk of stroke. It is also important to note that alcohol consumption is not the only factor contributing to an irregular heartbeat. In fact, your lifetime risk of developing atrial fibrillation ranges from about 23% to 38% depending on your health and lifestyle. As with anything else, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of your last night drink, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions that make heart problems more likely.
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