Study Links Champagne and Lifestyle Habits to Lower Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

A new study has found that certain lifestyle habits—including moderate consumption of champagne or white wine, increased fruit intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and having a positive outlook—may be linked to a reduced risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart stops pumping blood without warning, causes thousands of deaths globally each year. Prompt medical intervention is often the only chance of survival. Now, researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, suggest that many of these events may be preventable through changes in daily habits and environmental factors.

Published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, the study analyzed data from more than 500,000 middle-aged to older adults in the UK Biobank over an average follow-up period of nearly 14 years. Among the participants, 3,147 individuals experienced sudden cardiac arrest.

The researchers identified 56 modifiable non-clinical risk factors, including lifestyle choices, psychosocial wellbeing, socioeconomic status, and environmental influences. Their findings indicate that up to 63% of SCA cases might be preventable by addressing these factors. Eliminating just the worst third of the identified risks could potentially prevent 40% of cases.

Among the most notable findings was the association between higher consumption of champagne and white wine and a decreased risk of SCA—challenging prior assumptions that red wine is the only alcoholic beverage with cardioprotective effects. The mechanisms behind this observation are not yet fully understood, and the researchers caution against interpreting the results as a recommendation to drink alcohol, given its potential health risks.

Other factors associated with lower risk included eating more fruit, maintaining a positive mood, keeping body weight and blood pressure under control, and higher levels of education. Conversely, factors such as elevated body mass index (BMI), poor sleep quality, lack of exercise, and negative mood were linked to higher risk.

Lead investigator Dr. Huihuan Luo stated:

“The study found significant associations between various modifiable factors and sudden cardiac arrest, with lifestyle changes being the most impactful in preventing cases.”

Co-investigator Renjie Chen added that the scope of preventability was surprising, highlighting the importance of broadening public health strategies.

An accompanying editorial from Canadian researchers emphasized the complexity of the findings, especially regarding alcohol, noting that more research is needed to fully understand the protective effects and risks.

The British Heart Foundation and other health organizations continue to advocate for evidence-based measures to reduce cardiac risk, including limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and managing other health conditions.

The Guardian, Sky News, the Telegraph contributed to this report.