How does alcohol affect heart rate and blood pressure?

How does alcohol affect heart rate and blood pressure?

Effect of alcohol on blood pressure is a “U” curve, it decreases first and then rises. Heart rate generally increases with alcohol intake. The rhythm may become irregular with an alcoholic binge due to atrial fibrillation. This is called holiday heart syndrome. If the alcoholic remains in a cold place for long time with poor clothing, hypothermia with low body temperature may ensue. The loss of body heat is potentiated by the dilatation of blood vessels of the skin. If there is profound hypothermia, heart rate may fall.