Overview
- Clinicians say alcohol is the leading trigger and note anyone can be affected, with higher risk in people who are older or have hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea, and repeated binges can turn a temporary episode into chronic AFib.
- According to the American Heart Association, having more than two drinks in four hours makes a person three times more likely to develop atrial fibrillation.
- Symptoms often appear 12 to 36 hours after drinking and include palpitations, rapid or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and sudden fatigue, and doctors advise seeking care for palpitations lasting longer than 30 seconds.
- A recent ER case involved a 32-year-old with a dangerous arrhythmia after a party, and a small study of 200 partygoers documented transient cardiac rhythm disturbances over 48 hours.
- Prevention and care recommendations include limiting alcohol, hydrating and replenishing electrolytes, alternating drinks with water or nonalcoholic options, using outpatient rhythm monitoring when advised, and, if needed, receiving IV fluids, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers or antiarrhythmic medications.