Alcohol and AF Risk — EECC MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Alcohol consumption is a dose-dependent modifiable risk factor for AF — the 2024 ESC AF Guidelines recommend reduction or abstinence as part of the AF-CARE pathway; the Alcohol-AF trial showed that abstinence reduced AF recurrence by 50% in regular drinkers
Alcohol is an established dose-dependent risk factor for both incident AF and AF recurrence. Mechanisms: (1) direct atrial toxicity (fibrosis, oxidative stress); (2) autonomic imbalance (vagal stimulation); (3) electrolyte disturbance; (4) atrial dilatation; (5) obesity contribution. The Alcohol-AF trial (2020) randomised regular drinkers (≥10 standard drinks/week) with paroxysmal/persistent AF to abstinence vs usual intake: abstinence reduced AF recurrence by ~50% and improved AF burden. The 2024 ESC AF Guidelines include alcohol reduction/abstinence as a recommended recommendation within the AF-CARE pathway (C = Comorbidity and risk factor management). This patient's consumption (~3-4 pints = ~6-8 UK units daily = ~42-56 units/week) is well above recommended limits and is a major modifiable driver of his AF.
Reference: NICE NG196: Atrial fibrillation—diagnosis and management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng196/chapter/recommendations