[Left ventricular hemodynamics in acute alcohol intoxication in guinea pigs]

This study was undertaken to investigate to what extent the cardiodepression of acute alcohol intoxication is dose-dependent and to assess the validity of isovolumetric and afterload parameters in the latter condition. Isovolumetric and ejection phase parameters were measured in-situ in the intact heart of the guinea pig. The diastolic and systolic pressure-volume-relationships were calculated on the basis of direct measurements obtained at control conditions and during acuta alcohol intoxication at blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 160 and 280 mg/100 ml, respectively. Cardiodepression was dose-dependent; left ventricular isovolumetric pressure fell 13% at a BAC of 280 mg/100 ml, maximal rate of pressure rise (dp/dt max) decreased 33%. The changes in afterload parameters were less consistent: there was an increase in left ventricular isovolumetric pressure and dp/dt max in the group with BAC of 160 mg/100 ml, but both of these parameters decreased at BAC levels of 280 mg/100 ml. Stroke volume and preload decreased comparably in both groups. The divergent pattern of induced hemodynamic alterations may be due to peripheral effects of ethanol and/or counter-regulatory adrenergic mechanisms. The mortality rate associated with BAC of 160 mg/100 ml was 55% and that of 280 mg/100 ml was 75%.