Chinese spirits consumption is an independent risk factor of left atrial appendage thrombosis in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption is often associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation; however, its association with left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) remains undefined. Purpose To investigate the relationship between Chinese spirits consumption and LAA thrombosis in NVAF patients. Methods 504 consecutive adult patients with NVAF undergoing first radiofrequency catheter ablation who were enrolled retrospectively from January 2016 to April 2019. LAA thrombosis was identified by transesophageal echocardiography before catheter ablation. Risk factors for LAA thrombosis were determined by uni-/multivariate analysis of data derived from a questionnaire on alcohol consumption and other risk factors for AF, and biochemical and imaging information. Results Of the 504 patients studied, 86 (17.1%) had a drinking habit, and 59 patients (11.7%) had LAA thrombosis. The proportion of alcohol drinking patients was 47.5% (28/59) in the thrombosis group and 12.7% (58/455) in the non-thrombosis group (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, Chinese spirits consumption (≥12g daily; OR 15.025, 95% CI 6.123–36.815, P<0.001), non-paroxysmal AF (OR 8.301, 95% CI 3.946–17.460, P<0.001), AF duration (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.010–1.027, P<0.001), CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR 2.078, 95% CI 1.625–2.658, P<0.001), and effective anticoagulation (OR 0.348, 95% CI 0.132–0.921, P=0.033) were independently associated with LAA thrombosis. Conclusions Chinese spirits consumption was independently associated with LAA thrombosis in NVAF patients. Whether avoiding alcohol consumption might reduce the occurrence of LAA thrombosis and thromboembolism in NVAF patients requires further study. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None