The association between alcohol consumption and cardiac rhythm disorders has been recognized for some time [146]. In two studies, alcohol was identified as a cause of new onset atrial fibrillation in 30 - 60% of patients [147;148]. Several mechanisms explaining the development of dysrhythmias due to alcohol consumption have been proposed, including direct alcohol cardiotoxicity, hyperadrenergic activity during drinking and withdrawal, impairment of vagal tone and increased intra-atrial conduction time [149].
