Cardiac function at rest and during exercise in early and late alcohol intoxication.

Seven healthy men, aged 21 to 30 years, were investigated by radionuclide cardiography at rest and during submaximal exercise at heavy (early) and during declining (late) alcohol intoxication. Control studies, in which alcohol was substituted by an isocaloric, isovolumic drink, were performed on a different day. The left ventricular ejection fraction at rest decreased from 59 to 56% during early intoxication (serum ethanol 35 +/- 6 mmol/l), whereas no change was observed in the ejection fraction during exercise. No significant change was recorded in stroke volume after alcohol consumption as opposed to a small increase after ingestion of the caloric drink. Plasma noradrenaline concentrations were elevated during exercise and early intoxication. During late intoxication (serum ethanol 21 +/- 5 mmol/l) the left ventricular ejection fraction at rest was increased by 7% compared with the baseline value. At rest the heart rate was increased from 68 +/- 7 to 84 +/- 15 beats/min, whereas cardiac output had reverted to the baseline value. Plasma noradrenaline at late intoxication was increased both at rest and during exercise compared with the baseline values. Apart from tachycardia and a reduction in left ventricular volumes during late intoxication no alcohol induced hemodynamic changes occurred during exercise.