Researchers have uncovered new insights into how alcohol affects heart health, particularly in relation to irregular heartbeats and hormone replacement therapy. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago has identified a potential way to prevent alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of irregular heart rhythm.
The research, conducted on mice, found that binge drinking-related arrhythmias are linked to increased levels of a stress-induced protein called JNK2. This protein causes heart cells to mishandle calcium and misfire, resulting in rapid or irregular heartbeats.
Dr. Saugat Khanal, lead author of the study and post-doctoral scholar at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, explained, “Around the holidays, opportunities for celebration – often accompanied by heavy drinking – occur during a brief period of time. Unfortunately, this sometimes sends revelers, even those with no previous heart condition, to the hospital with a racing or abnormally beating heart.”
The study revealed that more than 70% of mice given alcohol to mimic binge drinking developed AFib. However, when treated with a molecule called Alda-1, none of the mice developed the condition. Alda-1 appears to prevent the activation of JNK2 that leads to AFib.
These findings could have significant implications for treating what medical professionals call “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition caused by repeated binge drinking over holiday periods. Dr. Khanal noted, “Our findings suggest that developing new drugs, including Alda-1 and other JNK2-specific inhibitors, may be an effective anti-AFib strategy for people with holiday heart syndrome.”
Estrogen, Alcohol, and Heart Function in Menopausal Women
A second study presented at the conference examined the effects of alcohol on heart function in female rats simulating menopause. The research aimed to understand why alcohol may have a more negative impact on cardiovascular function in women than in men.
The eight-week study compared menopausal rats given regular alcohol exposure to those given both alcohol and estrogen replacement. Surprisingly, the rats receiving estrogen replacement along with alcohol showed several negative changes in heart function, despite estrogen’s known cardioprotective effects.
Dr. Syed Anees Ahmed, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at East Carolina University, stated, “It was surprising to see the significant impact estrogen had on alcohol-induced heart dysfunction, despite its known cardioprotective effects.”
The estrogen-treated rats exposed to alcohol showed:
1. A reduction in the heart’s ejection fraction and other indicators of poorer pumping function
2. Disruption in circadian clock proteins, which regulate heart function
3. Increased oxidative stress and ferroptosis in heart cells
These findings suggest that menopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy should be cautious about alcohol consumption, as it may contribute to heart dysfunction.
Why it matters: These studies provide crucial insights into the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and heart health. The potential for a new prevention strategy for alcohol-induced AFib could benefit millions of people worldwide who engage in binge drinking. Additionally, the findings on estrogen and alcohol interaction highlight the need for personalized medical advice for menopausal women regarding alcohol consumption and hormone replacement therapy.
It’s important to note that both studies are preliminary and were conducted on animal models. Further research is needed to fully understand how these findings translate to human health. The American Heart Association continues to recommend moderation in alcohol consumption for optimal cardiovascular health and emphasizes that people should not start drinking alcohol for potential health benefits.
As research in this field progresses, it may lead to new treatments for alcohol-related heart issues and more tailored recommendations for alcohol consumption based on individual factors such as age, gender, and hormonal status.
