Impact on the Heart and Blood Vessels System
Getting down to the impact on the heart and blood vessels system, the consumption of ethanol can cause a short-term increase in heart rate and a slight rise in blood pressure. This increase in heart rate tries to balance the decrease in the strength of the heart’s left ventricle caused by ethanol (Horwitz & Atkins, 1974). No significant changes in the flow of blood are seen with moderate to high alcohol consumption (Kupari, 1983). Long-term, excessive alcohol use increases the likelihood of heart disease and damage to the heart muscle (Guzzo-Merello, Cobo- Marcos, Gallego-Delgado, & Garcia-Pavia, 2014).
It is important to exercise caution when consuming ethanol in hot or cold environments. In hot weather, the increase in peripheral blood flow to the skin caused by ethanol consumption, as well as increased feelings of heat (T. Yoda et al., 2005), can pose a risk. In cold weather, ethanol consumption reduces perceptions of cold and thermal discomfort (Tamae Yoda et al., 2008), which may lead to increased exposure time and a greater risk of developing hypothermia. Both scenarios require vigilance to prevent the dangerous effects of low body temperature.
Consume alcohol with a meal or when already full to slow down the process of getting drunk. Be mindful of the weather and limit the amount of alcohol consumed in either hot or cold temperatures. Keep track of the standard drink count, not just the quantity of drinks consumed.
Workingout under influence
As a certified personal trainer, I need to focus your attention on the inability to conduct sports training in a state of intoxication. Impact on the heart and blood vessels system during a workout under influence can be extremelly dangerous.
The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels which help circulate blood throughout the body. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, mainly from the stomach and small intestine, and has an impact on the cardiovascular system. In the short-term, drinking alcohol can result in a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, drinking excessively can cause persistent increases in heart rate, high blood pressure, a damaged heart muscle, and an irregular heartbeat, which can raise the risk of alcohol-related heart attack or stroke.
