There may be a link between heavy drinking and the development of atrial fibrillation (afib). A new study has drawn a correlation between heart health and alcohol based on hospital records in Texas. “The analysis found that people living in dry counties, where sales of alcoholic beverages are prohibited, had a higher risk of being hospitalized for a heart attack or congestive heart failure than people living in wet counties, where such sales are allowed. But residents of wet counties were at elevated risk for a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation…Prevalence of atrial fibrillation was about 5% higher in wet counties, while prevalence of heart attacks was 17% lower. New hospitalizations for afib during the study were 7% higher in wet counties while those for heart attack were 9% lower.” While drinking in moderation is not necessarily harmful, make sure to steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking.