Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
05:40

The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans

Published on: April 28, 2022

PR and OTc interval prolongation on the electrocardiogram after binge drinking in healthy individuals

A Lorsheyd1, D W de Lange, M L Hijmering

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands. alorshey@hotmail.com

The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|March 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Binge drinking in healthy individuals can prolong PR and QTc intervals, potentially increasing arrhythmia risk. This study highlights alcohol

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Excessive alcohol intake is linked to increased cardiovascular mortality.
  • Binge drinking may accelerate atherosclerosis and trigger arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
  • QTc prolongation is a known risk factor for ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of acute, excessive alcohol consumption (binge drinking) on cardiac conduction intervals in healthy individuals.
  • To assess changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters following alcohol ingestion.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty healthy volunteers were divided into two groups, one consuming red wine and the other a sweet drink.
  • Participants underwent follow-up ECG, blood pressure, and heart rate monitoring at specified blood alcohol concentrations (0%, 0.4%, and 0.8%).

Main Results:

  • A significant prolongation of the PR interval (149 to 163 ms) and heart rate-adjusted QT interval (400 to 426 ms) was observed.
  • Most volunteers showed prolonged PR, QRS, QT, and QTc intervals after alcohol ingestion.
  • No significant changes in heart rate or systolic blood pressure were detected.

Conclusions:

  • Acute alcohol ingestion in healthy individuals can induce significant prolongation of the PR and QTc intervals.
  • These electrophysiological changes may contribute to the increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias associated with binge drinking.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle01:25

Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle

The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring01:23

Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recording that tracks the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, generally 24 to 48 hours. This noninvasive diagnostic tool detects irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG performed in a clinical setting.DeviceThe Holter monitor is a portable, small device connected to several electrodes on the patient's chest. These electrodes detect the heart's electrical signals and transmit them to the...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...