from Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Many studies have shown that light to moderate alcohol consumption can have benefits to the heart, such as reducing ischemic heart disease and stroke. But the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports a study from Sweden suggesting wine and hard liquor may be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation—an abnormally fast heart beat—that can lead to stroke, heart failure and dementia. Nearly eighty thousand adults were followed for a decade. The study found more than three drinks a day slightly increased risk for atrial fibrillation and a strong risk from binge drinking. The study did not show a similar risk for moderate consumption of beer. One possible explanation is that beer may be consumed more during the week, and that adverse effects of alcohol consumption may be less pronounced if spread out over the week.