Can avoiding alcohol completely prevent AFib episodes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with afib about a year back, and I used to drink maybe four to five glasses of wine through the week, nothing crazy, I thought. My cardiologist mentioned alcohol could be a trigger, so I have cut it out completely for the past six weeks. I have not had a full episode since, but I still get little flutters sometimes.

Does cutting out alcohol stop AFIB episodes at 41 completely, or just reduce them?
How long before I would really notice a proper difference?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Alcohol can lead to your atrial fibrillation. If you stop alcohol, it can definitely lower atrial fibrillation episodes. But it does not cure atrial fibrillation completely.

Alcohol can affect the

Heart’s electrical flow.
Quality of sleep.
Blood pressure.

This all can lead to atrial fibrillation (AFIB). Some people notice improvement in a few weeks; for some, it can take a few months to see the full effect.

The fact that you have not had a full episode in 6 weeks is a good sign, although occasional flutters can still happen and do not always mean a full atrial fibrillation (AFIB) episode is returning.

At 41, it is also worth looking at other triggers such as Stress. Poor sleep, Caffeine. Weight. Thyroid function. Blood pressure.

Continuing to avoid alcohol and following up with your cardiologist is a sensible approach, and they can reassess your atrial fibrillation (AFIB) pattern over time.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.