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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting approximately 1.5 to 2.2 million Americans. Previous studies aimed at assessing the effects of alcohol consumption on AF in women have yielded inconsistent results. Investigators asked participants in the Women’s Health Study — at study entry beginning in 1993, at 48 months, and annually thereafter through 2006 — to estimate their average daily intake of beer, wine, or liquor during the preceding 12 months. Number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily was categorized into the following: 0, >0 but <1, ≥1 but <2, ≥2 but <3, and >3. Self-reported episodes of AF were confirmed with medical record reviews; median follow-up was 12 years.
Women who consumed at least 2…