Comparing alcohol abstinence and moderate drinking in people with atrial fibrillation
Compares an app-supported alcohol abstinence plan with guideline-level moderate drinking in atrial fibrillation.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Digitally Rendered Interventions And Knowledge To Limit Ethanol-Associated Atrial Fibrillation Severity
Key facts
- Where
- San Francisco, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- UCSF Medical Center at ParnassusSan Francisco, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of California, San Francisco
- Trial code
- NCT06995391
- Record updated
- 2 October 2026
- Original description
Per the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 85% of all American adults consume alcohol. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million individuals in U.S., comprising 4.5% of the adult population. Although alcohol abstinence clearly reduces AF in heavy drinkers, observational data comparing the health effects of limited consumption versus abstention are conflicting.Read full original descriptionShow less
Digitally Rendered Interventions And Knowledge To Limit Ethanol-Associated Atrial Fibrillation Severity
Per the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 85% of all American adults consume alcohol. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million individuals in U.S., comprising 4.5% of the adult population. Although alcohol abstinence clearly reduces AF in heavy drinkers, observational data comparing the health effects of limited consumption versus abstention are conflicting.
The Mediterranean diet is one of the few that has demonstrated clear cardiovascular benefits in a randomized study-this diet allows for the consumption of red wine (or high polyphenol/ low alcohol alcohol), generally not more than one drink in 24 hours, with meals, avoiding spirits and binge drinking. The effect of the "Mediterranean drinking pattern" on AF risk compared to alcohol abstinence remains unknown.
This single center, randomized, controlled trial aims to compare the effects of a digital health intervention to encourage durable alcohol abstinence versus allowing guideline-adherent moderate alcohol consumption on AF severity. The knowledge gained from this study may be used to determine optimal thresholds for alcohol use among AF patients.
Inclusion: Are age 21 years or older; Have a smartphone; Are able to use the Eureka mobile application; Have a history of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF); Have consumed alcohol at least once per month on average in the past year; Willing to receive messaging encouraging alcohol abstinence.
Exclusion: Non-english speaker; Currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant; A healthcare professional's instruction to avoid alcohol (for any reason); Currently incarcerated; Permanent AF (meaning a medical determination has been made that sinus rhythm would definitely never be pursued in this patient); Are unable to read or sign to provide informed consent.