Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Heart rate increase to alcohol administration and video lottery terminal (VLT) play among regular VLT players
Sherry H Stewart1, Pamela Collins, James R Blackburn
1Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. sherry.stewart@dal.ca
Abstract:
The authors examined heart rate responses to video lottery terminal (VLT) play and alcohol intake. Forty-four VLT players were randomized to an alcohol (mean blood alcohol concentration=0.06%) or a control beverage condition. Heart rate was recorded at pre- and postdrinking baseline and during VLT play. Alcohol participants displayed elevated heart rates relative to controls at postdrinking and VLT play. Controls displayed elevated heart rates during VLT play relative to both pre- and postdrinking baselines, whereas alcohol participants displayed elevations at post- relative to predrinking and at VLT play relative to postdrinking. Heart rate increases from predrinking to VLT play were greater among alcohol participants relative to controls. Results provide novel information that the combination of VLT play and alcohol further intensifies heart rate increase relative to either alone. Implications for pathological gambling and alcohol use disorder comorbidity are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Increased pulse rate
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
