Cardiovascular and aortic wave reflection responses to evening binge alcohol consumption

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Autonomic Nervous System Function
• Alcohol Metabolism and Effects

Background:

• Evening binge alcohol consumption is linked to sleep disruption and autonomic dysregulation.
• The impact of binge drinking on morning-after arterial stiffness and aortic wave reflection is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of evening binge alcohol consumption on cardiovascular parameters.
• To determine the impact of morning-after binge alcohol consumption on arterial stiffness and aortic wave reflection.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, crossover, fluid-controlled study design was employed.
• Participants underwent binge alcohol and fluid control protocols.
• Cardiovascular responses including heart rate (HR), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx), and aortic pulsatile load (APL) were measured.

Main Results:

• Evening alcohol consumption acutely increased HR and APL.
• The morning after, binge alcohol consumption led to increased HR, APL, and normalized AIx (AIx@75) compared to fluid control.
• cfPWV remained unchanged after acute and morning-after alcohol exposure.

Conclusions:

• Evening binge drinking causes immediate cardiovascular changes and persistent effects the following morning.
• Increased HR, APL, and AIx@75 post-binge drinking suggest heightened cardiovascular risk.
• These findings elucidate physiological pathways linking binge alcohol use to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.