New research is shedding light on the negative effects of alcohol on the body and health. Alcohol is known to be one of the strongest cell toxins, and a recent study conducted by doctors at LMU University Hospital revealed that binge drinking can have concerning effects on the hearts of healthy young people. The MunichBREW II study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that binge drinking can lead to clinically relevant arrhythmias in young adults, even in those who are otherwise healthy. This study is part of a larger investigation into the effects of acute alcohol consumption on cardiac health.
The MunichBREW I study, conducted at Munich Oktoberfest in 2015, initially explored the connection between excessive alcohol consumption and cardiac arrhythmias using electrocardiogram (ECG) snapshots. The research team, led by Professor Stefan Brunner and PD Dr. Moritz Sinner, wanted to expand their findings and gain a more detailed understanding of the impact of alcohol on the heart. They launched the MunichBREW II study, which is the world’s largest investigation to date of acute alcohol consumption and ECG changes in prolonged ECGs spanning several days.
The MunichBREW II study monitored over 200 partygoers who had peak blood alcohol values of up to 2.5 grams per kilogram. The participants consumed multiple drinks during the study, and their cardiac rhythms were monitored for 48 hours using mobile ECG devices. The researchers tracked the participants during different phases, including the baseline, drinking period, recovery period, and control periods, to assess the effects of alcohol on heart rate, heart rate variability, atrial fibrillation, and other types of cardiac arrhythmias.
The results of the study showed that clinically relevant arrhythmias were detected in over five percent of otherwise healthy participants, primarily during the recovery phase. Alcohol intake during the drinking period led to an increase in heart rate, with heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. This suggests that alcohol can disrupt the autonomous regulatory processes of the heart and have negative effects on cardiac health. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of alcohol-related cardiac arrhythmias on overall heart health.
Overall, the MunichBREW II study highlights the detrimental effects of acute excessive alcohol consumption on heart health, particularly in young adults. The study provides valuable insights into the consequences of binge drinking on the heart and underscores the importance of moderation and responsible alcohol consumption. By understanding the impact of alcohol on cardiac health, future research can help inform public health strategies and interventions to promote heart health and reduce the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
