Re: Atrial fibrillation

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on September 20, 1998 at 14:18:44:

In Reply to: Atrial fibrillation posted by Phil Smart on September 17, 1998 at 12:37:22:






I had an AVR due to asymptomatic severe calcific stenosis and it was discovered prior to surgery that I also was in AF which has continued in the four weeks since successful implant of a tissue valve.
I am an athletic 75 yr. old and have taken regularly for decades approximately 6 oz of alcohol per day which I am careful not to vary as I am under coumadin therapy with Protime adjustments.My cardiologist is aware of my habitual moderate use of alcohol and has mot commented on it.
Could the alcohol intake be aggravating the AF?
I am scheduled for a cardioversin on Oct 23 if the coumdin, digoxin and cardizem due not achieve sinus rythm before them.
Will the alcohol have an adverse effect on the prospects of a successful cardioversion.
Thanks in advance for your help.



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Dear Phil,
Alcohol has been found as an independent risk factor for the recurrence of
atrial fibrillation, and of all the arrhythmias associated with alcohol use,
a.fib is the most common.  So yes, Phil, there is the possibility that your
alcohol use is contributing to either your having a.fib and or your heart
remaining in a.fibrillation.  If it is simply the alcohol and naught else, then
stopping the alcohol usually results in reversion to normal sinus rhythm.  This
you will have to discuss with your physician who knows the remainder of your
history, including other potential causes/reasons for you to have a.fib.
Regardless Phil, it is worth a try (i.e. stopping the alcohol), especially
considering that alcohol use itself poses a stroke risk, as does the a.fib.;
someone your age of course would want that risk at the minimum of course.
Another reason to give life without alcohol a try is that depending on its' effects
on your liver, kidneys, and electrolyte balance in general, it can cause
problems with your cardioversion.  The anesthesiologist or doctor who gives you
the sedation required to perform the cardioversion is in much better control of
the situation if the patient has no drugs in their system at all.  Of course
there are many patients with a.fib that drink alcohol and continue to do so even
after undergoing a cardioversion.  If you do decide to try life without alcohol then
it is important that your physician be aware of this.  Good Luck.
Write back with any further questions.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational
purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).