EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL INGESTION ON CARDIAC-RHYTHM IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (6) , 408-414
Abstract
The effect of alcohol on cardiac rhythm was examined in 10 male volunteers with a history of acute myocardial infarction. ECG monitoring with a portable ECG recorder was carried out for a period of 48 h. After a control period of 15-18 h an exercise test was performed and repeated after a standard dose (0.5 g/kg body weight) of alcohol. Then the patients were allowed to drink alcohol freely for 2 1/2 h. The 3rd exercise test was performed on the 2nd morning. Heart rate at rest and sitting on a bicycle was highest in the 3rd test, during the hangover period (P < 0.05). With a submaximal work load heart rate, and also the heart rate-blood pressure product, were highest after a standard dose of alcohol in the 2nd test (P < 0.05 and < 0.01., respectively). The number of ectopic beats showed no significant difference in repeated exercise tests. On tape recordings, 5 of the 10 patients experienced changes in cardiac rhythm after alcohol. In 2 patients the number of ectopic beats increased, the 3rd patient had 3 successive ventricular ectopic beats after alcohol ingestion and in the 4th patient multiple sinus arrests occurred. In 1 patient a higher heart rate after alcohol ingestion abolished the ventricular ectopic focus seen during the control period.