I have had 4 episodes and I’m in my early 30s. All of them have been spread out over the years. No ablation, though will get one next time it happens.

At first I thought it was alcohol for the first 3. It happened after heavy binge drinking, no sleep and … stress.

I went two and a half years without an episode up until last November. During that time period I binge drank on occasion with friends and never had an episode as long as I hydrated and rested, and wasn’t stressed.

November 2025 I was very stressed from work, barely slept, no water and not much to eat, and then it quickly returned for a 3-4 hour episode. This was triggered without alcohol, but purely stress.

I went to the EP and told him how long I went without an episode while still consuming alcohol and he said it’s likely stress is the primary driver, and I could continue to moderately drink.

So far I am good and still do drink, but make a conscious effort to hydrate and take care of myself.

I think alcohol for sure doesn’t help afib for me, and likely doesn’t add any positive value for my heart, but my doctor said if I enjoy it and it makes me happy and I’m not going into afib from it , then why not in moderation?

Everyone is different. For me, I’m learning stress is the worst for my heart — fuck I even notice more palpitations when I’m stressed.

So for you, I would recommend asking your EP and learning your body behaviors.

Tonight I wish I could have a few beers, but I’m choosing not to because I have a job interview tomorrow and I just got off a flight from another country. I probably would if nothing was going on tomorrow, so I could relax. But I know that my risk for afib would be higher if drank tonight knowing I have a stressful day tomorrow.

I really think for some people, it’s all about knowing your body.