Acute Effects of Ethanol Ingestion

were measured in a separate series of experiments in a subgroup of four subjects (series II). Mean concentration of ethanol in the blood at the end of the experiment was 156 mg/ 100 ml in series I and 125 mg/ 100 ml in series II. Heart rates at rest and during submaximal exercise were higher after ingestion of ethanol, but there was no effect on stroke volume. After ingestion of ethanol cardiac output at rest and during submaximal exercise increased, and total A-V difference and total peripheral resistance decreased. The circulatory response to maximal work was not affected by ethanol. Maximal oxygen uptake did not change. Pulmonary ventilation was not altered during submaximal exercise but was reduced during maximal work. These findings are in agreement with data from animal experiments suggesting that ethanol in blood concentrations below 200 mg/100 ml has no significant depressive effect on performance of the normal heart.