The effect of alcohol on sports and recreation: should these pleasures be mixed?

According to the recommendations, physical activity contributes to health and is both a preventive and therapeutic measure for a large number of diseases. However, there are factors that can lead to the appearance of atrial fibrillation (AF) even in healthy individuals. We presented a case of a young athlete who showed superior functional capacity during a routine ergospirometry examination, but during recovery had paroxysmal AF that was interrupted by medication. Laboratory, echocardiographic and 24 hours Holter monitoring findings were normal. Subsequent medical history indicated that he had consumed alcohol the previous night. This confirms that alcohol excess is a risk factor for paroxysmal AF. This case indicates the importance of following the recommendations that insist on a detailed history, physical examination, and further examinations of athletes and recreationists in accordance with the existing algorithms.