Heart rate variability in alcohol use: A review

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Resting heart rate variability (HRV) is diminished in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD).
• Limited research exists on reactive HRV (following stress) and its connection to drinking, craving, and relapse in AUD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on heart rate variability (HRV) in relation to alcohol consumption.
• To investigate resting and reactive HRV in healthy social drinkers, moderate/heavy drinkers, and individuals with AUD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies examining HRV and alcohol consumption.
• Exclusion of studies focusing on alcohol's cardiovascular effects.

Main Results:

• Acute alcohol consumption reduced resting HRV in healthy individuals.
• Individuals with AUD exhibited higher reactive HRV, correlating with increased craving, faster relapse, and negative mood.
• Resting HRV in AUD subjects improved only after prolonged abstinence (≥4 months).

Conclusions:

• Chronic heavy alcohol use negatively impacts the autonomic nervous system.
• HRV, particularly reactive HRV, may serve as a sensitive biomarker for craving and relapse in AUD.