Effect of Different Alcohol Consumption Levels on the Left Atrial Size: a Cross-sectional Study in Rural China

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies have investigated the relationship between alcohol and ventricular structure; however, few studies have evaluated the relation between alcohol consumption and the atrium size. In this study, we aimed to test the association between alcohol consumption and left atrium (LA) size in the general population. Methods: A population-based sample of 10,211 subjects aged ≥35 years and free from hypertension at baseline were followed from January 2012 to August 2013. Left atrial enlargement (LAE) was defined as the ratio of LA diameter to body surface area exceeding 2.4 cm/m 2 in both the sexes. Independent factors for LAE were estimated by multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The study included 10,211 participants (4,751 men and 5,460 women). Left atrial diameter/body surface area (LAD/BSA) was higher in the moderate and heavy alcohol consumption groups than in the non-drinker group (non-drinker, 20.5±0.03 cm/m 2 ; moderate, 20.8±0.09 cm/m 2 ; and heavy, 20.6±0.06 cm/m 2 ; p<0.001). Both the groups of moderate and heavy drinkers had a higher incidence of LAE than the non-drinker group (6.9% of non-drinkers, 9.9% of moderate drinkers, and 8.4% of heavy drinkers; p<0.001). After adjusting for related risk factors, multiple logistic regression analyses showed that moderate drinkers had an approximately 1.4-fold higher risk of LAE [odds ratio (OR): 1.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.056-1.822, p=0.019] compared with the non-drinkers, and the heavy drinkers had an approximately 1.2-fold higher risk of LAE (OR: 1.229, 95% CI: 1.002-1.508, p=0.047) compared with that of the non-drinkers. Conclusion: Both heavy and moderate drinkers had increased odds for LAE compared with participants with no alcohol consumption in the general population.

Harmful Impact of Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Consumption on the Atrial Myocardium

“…In 5220 participants of the Framingham Heart Study, alcohol was identified as a predictor of LA enlargement and incident AF in a dose-dependent manner [ 150 ]. Similarly, in a cross-sectional study in rural China with 10,211 participants that were aged 35 and above, moderate and heavy alcohol consumption was significantly associated with the risk of LA enlargement [ 151 ]. Among 601 participants with stable coronary heart disease with echocardiographic measurements at baseline and 5 years later, alcohol use at baseline was associated with an increase in left atrial volume [ 152 ].…”

Histopathological Changes in the Myocardium Caused by Energy Drinks and Alcohol in the Mid-term and Their Effects on Skeletal Muscle Following Ischemia-reperfusion in a Rat Model

“…Based on sporadic case experiences, experiments on animal models have been conducted, and the adverse effects of these beverages on various organ systems have been revealed when used alone or in combination with alcohol. 4 - 8 …”