Efectos del consumo de alcohol sobre el sistema cardiovascular

  1. Geraldine Quintero-Platt 1
  2. Emilio González Reimers 1
  3. Melchor Rodríguez Gaspar 1
  4. Candelaria Martín Gonzáez 1
  5. Lucía Romero Acevedo 1
  6. Daniel Martínez Martínez 1
  7. Iballa Jiménz Cabrera 1
  8. Francisco Santolaria Fernández 2
  1. 1 Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife (España)
  2. 2 Dpto. Medicina Interna, Dermatología y Psiquiatría. Universidad de La Laguna (España)
Journal:
Estudios Canarios: Anuario del Instituto de Estudios Canarios

ISSN: 0423-4804

Year of publication: 2016

Issue: 60

Pages: 49-64

Type: Article

More publications in: Estudios Canarios: Anuario del Instituto de Estudios Canarios

Abstract

Alcohol intake is associated with increased oxidative stress that not only affects the liver but also affects other systems. While some studies demonstrate that moderate drinking is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, the intake of toxic amounts of alcohol is associated with a greater incidence of vascular events. Alcohol can affect the cardiovascular system in several ways: 1. Heavy alcohol intake is associated with cardiomyopathy, usually of the dilated phenotype. This process is reversible with ethanol withdrawal or even reduction in alcohol intake 2. It is associated with arrhythmias (usually atrial fibrillation), especially when binge drinking. 3. It seems to be a risk factor for hypertension. 4. It is probably related to increased atheromatosis and vascular injury. In this review we will discuss the evidence regarding beneficial and deleterious effects of alcohol intake on the cardiovascular system.