People who consume wine and spirits even in moderation may increase their risk of developing the heart disorder, atrial fibrillation (AF), a new study indicates.

No such link between AF and the moderate consumption of beer was found.

AF causes irregular and rapid heartbeats, which can make the heart less efficient at pumping blood around the body. This can lead to palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, angina and the development of blood clots.

Those affected are five times more likely to have a stroke and are at an increased risk of developing heart failure and dementia. Some 40,000 adults over the age of 50 have the condition in Ireland.

Swedish researchers looked at almost 80,000 adults aged between 45 and 83. The participants had filled out an extensive questionnaire about their food and alcohol consumption in 1997 and they were then monitored for up to 12 years......