Ján Kmec
Alcohol is an intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, or other numerous beverages consumed in almost all societies for over 7000 years. Alcohol has acute and chronic effects on the cardiovascular system. Arrythmogenic effects of alcohol were also found in individuals without any cardiovascular disease, but more commonly they are found in patients with underlying cardiac disease. Of all alcohol–induced supraventricular arrhythmias we have the convincing evidence for atrial fibrillation. Epidemiological data suggest the risk of ventricular tachycardia/SCD to be lower in individuals with low alcohol intake (2-6 drinks/week) compared with those who rarely or never consume alcohol or those with high intake (3-5 drinks/day) and binge drinkers. Numerous studies reflect the relationship between alcohol and total mortality J or U-shaped curves. Alcohol influences a wide range of vascular and biochemical functions which have potential cardioprotective benefits.