The heart and alcohol.

The cardiovascular effects of the ingestion of ethyl alcohol are determined by the amount consumed and time factors as well as the nutritional status of the individual. Acute alcoholism produces various cardiac manifestations that are related primarily to the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Chronic alcoholism is associated with three identifiable cardiovascular syndromes that have been designated alcoholic myocardosis, nutritional heart disease and beriberi heart disease. Differentiation is indicated because of their respective distinguishing diagnostic features and prognostic implications. The therapeutic effects of alcohol in coronary artery disease are apparently attributable to cerebral responses rather than demonstrable increase in coronary blood flow.