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Cardiac function at rest and during exercise in early and late alcohol intoxication
H Kelbaek1, T Gjørup, S Fløistrup
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
International Journal of Cardiology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Alcohol intoxication initially reduced resting ejection fraction but did not affect exercise ejection fraction in healthy men. Late intoxication increased resting ejection fraction and heart rate, with elevated noradrenaline levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alcohol consumption can affect cardiovascular function.
- Understanding the hemodynamic impact of alcohol during rest and exercise is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute alcohol intoxication on left ventricular function and hemodynamics at rest and during submaximal exercise.
- To compare alcohol's effects with a non-alcoholic control drink.
Main Methods:
- Radionuclide cardiography was used to assess cardiac function in seven healthy men.
- Measurements were taken at rest and during exercise during early and late stages of alcohol intoxication.
- Control studies used an isocaloric, isovolumic drink.
Main Results:
- Early intoxication decreased resting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) but did not alter exercise LVEF.
- Stroke volume remained unchanged with alcohol, unlike a slight increase with the control drink.
- Late intoxication increased resting LVEF and heart rate, with elevated plasma noradrenaline levels at rest and during exercise.
Conclusions:
- Acute alcohol intoxication has complex effects on cardiovascular hemodynamics, altering resting function more than exercise function.
- Elevated noradrenaline suggests a sympathetic response to alcohol intoxication.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the cardiovascular risks of alcohol consumption during physical activity.