Atrial fibrillation, most common heart rhythm disorder, raises risk of stroke by five-fold.
By PTI |
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The number of drinking sessions per week was the strongest risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation.
SEOUL: Drinking small amounts of alcohol frequently is associated with a higher likelihood of atrial fibrillation -- the most common heart rhythm disorder -- than binge drinking, according to a study. Researcher noted that atrial fibrillation raises the risk of stroke by five-fold. Symptoms include palpitations, racing or irregular pulse, shortness of breath, tiredness, chest pain and dizziness.
"Recommendations about alcohol consumption have focused on reducing the absolute amount rather than the frequency," said Jong-Il Choi from Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Anam Hospital.
"Our study suggests that drinking less often may also be important to protect against atrial fibrillation," Choi said.
A prior meta-analysis found a linear correlation between alcohol and atrial fibrillation: risk increased by eight per cent for every 12 grammes of alcohol (one drink) consumed per week, researchers said.
However, it was not clear which is more important: the total amount of alcohol or the number of drinking sessions, they said.
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In India, half of all reported heart attacks are caused due to cardiovascular diseases in people under the age of 50, and 25% of those occur in people below 40. The population of cardiovascular patients is rising rapidly, and the disease is afflicting younger people at their peak. While a disease can be pathologically detected and treated at any stage, prevention really is key. Over the last few years, there has been a revival of interest in alternate methods of fitness and well-being accompanied by correction of diet and lifestyle. This approach has a positive impact on the body, and helps prevent major heart diseases.
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The analysis included 9,776,956 individuals without atrial fibrillation who underwent a national health check-up in 2009 which included a questionnaire about alcohol consumption.
Participants were followed-up until 2017 for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
The number of drinking sessions per week was the strongest risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation.
Compared with drinking twice per week (reference group), drinking every day was the riskiest, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.412, while drinking once a week was the least risky (HR 0.933), the researchers found.
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Repeated episodes of atrial fibrillation triggered by alcohol may lead to overt disease Binge drinking did not show any clear link with new-onset atrial fibrillation, they said.
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"Our study suggests that frequent drinking is more dangerous than infrequent binge drinking with regard to atrial fibrillation. The number of drinking sessions was related to atrial fibrillation onset regardless of age and sex," said Choi.
"Repeated episodes of atrial fibrillation triggered by alcohol may lead to overt disease. In addition, drinking can provoke sleep disturbance which is a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation," Choi said.
In keeping with other studies, weekly alcohol consumption was related to atrial fibrillation, the researchers said.
There was a two per cent increase in the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation for each gram of alcohol consumed per week, they said.
The study found that compared to mild drinkers, those who drank no alcohol, moderate, or high amounts had 8.6, 7.7 per cent, and 21.5 per cent elevated risks respectively.
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Cardiovascular heart diseases cause over a quarter of the total deaths in the country, and affect rural populations and young adults the most, according to a study published by The Lancet Global Health. The study also shows that younger adults, especially those born after 1970, have the highest death rate due to the narrowing of the heart’s arteries.
Nutritionists point out that the risk of cardiovascular diseases can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Some of them are as follows:
(Text: Divya Shekhar)
Cardiovascular heart diseases cause over a quarter of the total deaths in the country, and affect rural populations and young adults the most, according to a study published by The Lancet Global Heal..
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Research indicates that almonds, a source of protein and high in dietary fibre, helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and lower blodd sugar impact of carbohydrate foods.
Nagpur-based nutritionist Meghana Kumare said, “Consuming 43 grams of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds reduces hunger and improves dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated (good) fat intake without increasing body weight.”
Research indicates that almonds, a source of protein and high in dietary fibre, helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and lower blodd sugar impact of carbohydrate foods.
Nagpur-based nutr..
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Include exercise as part of your daily routine and keep an active lifestyle. According to nutritionist Madhuri Ruia, “moderate exercise of 30 minutes a day for five days a week is recommended for a healthy heart.”
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Experts said that one must consume good fats in proportion and avoid saturated and trans-fat from the diet.
FSSAI’s Eat Right Movement recommends reduction in sugar, salt and oil in the daily diet.
“Reduce your intake of sugar, salt and oil by half to reduce your incidence to heart disease by half,” said Delhi-based nutritionist Ritika Samaddar.
Experts said that one must consume good fats in proportion and avoid saturated and trans-fat from the diet.
FSSAI’s Eat Right Movement recommends reduction in sugar, salt and oil in the daily diet.
..
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Bengaluru-based nutritionist Sheela Krishnaswamy said, “Smoking can damage the structure and function of the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide inhaled from cigarette smoke contributes to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Second-hand tobacco smoke also causes heart disease in non-smokers, which means you could be harming the health of your near ones too.”
Bengaluru-based nutritionist Sheela Krishnaswamy said, “Smoking can damage the structure and function of the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide inhaled from cigarette..
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Spending time with family, meditating, reducing stress levels and exercising regularly leads to reduction in stress levels.
Spending time with family, meditating, reducing stress levels and exercising regularly leads to reduction in stress levels.
