Acute electrical, autonomic and structural effects of binge drinking: Insights into the ‘holiday heart syndrome’

Abstract

Background: Binge drinking is a common atrial fibrillation (AF) trigger, however the mechanisms are poorly understood. Objective: To investigate the effects of alcohol intoxication and hangover with rhythm monitoring and cardiac MRI. Methods: Patients underwent serial cardiac MRI pre- and post-binge with continuous Holter monitoring. Time periods analyzed: baseline (24 h pre-binge), consumption, hangover (0– 24 h post-consumption) and post-hangover (24–48 h post-consumption). Results: 50 patients (age 49 ± 15 years, 40% paroxysmal AF) completed the study (intake 8.4 ± 3.1 standard drinks). Mean heart rate increased from 72 ± 10 to 80 ± 13 beats per minute (bpm) during consumption (p < 0.001)..