Electrophysiologic properties of alcohol in man

Lawrence Gould, C. V. Ramana Reddy, William Becker, Keun Chang Oh, Soo Gyum Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is little information on the effects ofalcohol on the human conduction system. His bundle electrograms were obtained in 14 patients before and after the oral ingestion of two ounces of 87 proof whiskey. Antegrade and retrograde refractory periods were obtained with the extra-stimulus method. The significant results were as follows: The PA interval was 31±2 msec before and 35±2 msec after alcohol (p<0.01). The mean A-V nodal functional refractory period was 438± 15 msec before and 423±14 msec after alcohol (p<0.05). The effective refractory period of the A-V node was 386±21 msec before and 366±19 msec after alcohol (p<0.05). The functional refractory period of the ventriculo-atrial conduction system was 441±31 msec before and 421±32 msec after alcohol (p<0.05). The effective refractory period of the ventricular myocardium was 252±8 msec before and 238±8 msec after alcohol (p<0.01). Thus small amounts of alcohol delayconduction at the atrial level, improve conduction through the A-V node, and shorten the effective refractory period of the ventricular myocardium.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)219-226
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Electrocardiology
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1978
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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