Deadly heart flutter danger of just single glass of wine a day
rates may also notice their irregular heartbeats become more frequent. This is concerning because it can lead to serious issues such as heart failure and stroke.
“People with an irregular heartbeat should probably drink no more than one alcoholic drink a day with two alcohol-free days a week.”
The study results are published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Drinking habits of 900,000 people were studied for 12 years and the impact of alcohol on heart rhythm was the same for men and women.
More research is needed but the irregular beat is thought to be due to alcohol damaging cells, leading to fibrous tissue growing in the heart. Researchers believe that over time alcohol interferes with the co-ordinated contraction of heart muscles.
Those who drink every day are more likely to have continued irregular heartbeats after catheter ablation, a treatment designed to regulate the heart’s rhythm.
The study also found that alcohol stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, digestion and respiratory rate.
Christopher Allen, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “The festive period can often lead to an increase in alcohol consumption.
“But there is no truly safe amount of alcohol and even if you don’t exceed the recommended guidelines of 14 units a week, you could still be putting your heart health at risk.” Meanwhile, another study found that some middle-aged women drink three times more than they should, counting a unit as a glass, even if it contains a third of a bottle.
The survey found a quarter of women aged 40 to 65 have five to 16 alcoholic drinks week.
And five per cent admitted drinking more.
Author Sara Stewart, who conducted the survey as part of research for a book, said: “Women in that age group seem to be more at risk of alcohol addiction.”
While government guidelines advise no more than 14 units a week, many of the women assumed this meant 14 glasses. to