Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Increase Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in People With Heart Disease

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121001123816.htm

ScienceDaily (Oct. 1, 2012) — Moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation in older people with heart disease or advanced diabetes, says a study by McMaster researchers.

"Moderate alcohol intake, with or without episodic binge drinking, is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in older and high risk cardiovascular disease or diabetes patients," said Dr. Koon Teo, an author of the study and a professor of medicine at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University. "Among moderate drinkers, the effect of binge drinking on atrial fibrillation risk is similar to that of habitual heavy drinking."

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