NCT06995391 · University of California, San Francisco
Digitally Rendered Interventions And Knowledge To Limit Ethanol-Associated Atrial Fibrillation Severity
(DRINK-LESS)
What this study is about
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.
View original scientific 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. 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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Contemporary Guideline-Adherence
Participants randomized to Contemporary Guideline-Adherence will receive weekly app and text-based messaging encouraging them not to exceed guideline-directed amounts of alcohol, as well as messaging explaining that abstinence is acceptable and may be the best way to avoid AF and that, if a participant decides to consume alcohol, a Mediterranean drinking pattern may be the most healthy.
BEHAVIORAL
Alcohol Abstinence
Participants randomized to Alcohol Abstinence will receive weekly app and text-based messaging encouraging avoiding all alcohol consumption.
Primary outcome measures
Change in atrial fibrillation severity at one year
Time frame: From baseline to one year of study participation.
The primary outcome will be change in atrial fibrillation severity at one year, defined by a change in the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (AFEQT) score from baseline to one year associated with alcohol abstinence. Based on previously reported values of clinically relevant change in AFEQT score (PMID 31092022), the investigators estimate the change in mean AFEQT score from baseline to 1 year to be 5.4±17.03 in the Alcohol Abstinence group and 0.2±15.17 in the Contemporary Guideline-Adherence group, giving a 5.2 difference between the two groups. The investigators estimate that 1,000 patients would provide \~99% power to detect this difference with as much as 30% overall attrition, and 30% crossover from abstinence to drinking regularly and 20% crossover from drinking regularly to abstinence.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 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 criteria
- 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
Where
- San Francisco, California
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 31, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations