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Relation of left ventricular function to habitual alcohol consumption
1First Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 15, 1993
Summary
Even low to moderate alcohol consumption can impact heart health. This study found that daily ethanol intake is linked to changes in left ventricular (LV) size and function, affecting heart muscle performance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic alcohol use is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.
- The effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption on LV function in the general population are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between varying levels of alcohol consumption and LV function in a general population sample.
- To identify specific echocardiographic and Doppler parameters affected by ethanol intake.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 93 adults (born 1954) participated.
- Ethanol intake was recorded daily for two months.
- Echocardiography and pulsed Doppler ultrasound assessed LV dimensions and transmitral flow velocities.
- Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors (sex, body size, BP, heart rate, smoking, activity, salt intake).
Main Results:
- Average daily ethanol consumption ranged from 0 to 1.2 g/kg (median 0.2).
- Statistically significant associations were found between ethanol use and increased LV end-systolic diameter.
- Fractional shortening and peak early and atrial transmitral velocities decreased with increased ethanol consumption.
- No significant interactions with sex were observed.
Conclusions:
- Low to moderate daily alcohol consumption is associated with detrimental changes in left ventricular structure and function.
- These findings highlight the subclinical cardiac effects of alcohol in the general population.
- Further research may elucidate long-term cardiovascular consequences.