ABSTRACT
Introduction Man’s use of alcohol for recreational purposes pre-dates written history and references to its use and misuse can be found in ancient writings. It is increasingly recognized that alcohol has many effects on the cardiovascular system. Both acute and chronic alcohol consumption can influence blood pressure, but more prolonged, excessive usage can lead to alcoholic heart muscle disease. Heavy binge drinking is also one common precipitant of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
