70 – Effects of Alcohol on Vascular Function

This chapter reviews the effect of alcohol on vascular endothelial cell function with particular emphasis on changes in vascular nitric oxide and prostaglandin levels, as mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced changes in vascular function. Moreover, the specific gender effects of alcohol and the influence of alcohol on vascular adaptations to pregnancy is discussed. The association between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has recently been described as an inverse J-shaped relationship. It has been suggested that small to moderate amounts of alcohol may be cardioprotective while chronic alcohol abuse has deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. Chronic alcohol use is associated with oxidative stress. Evidence continues to accumulate that oxidative stress is a mediator of vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and thus, may contribute to cardiovascular complications associated with alcoholism. The mechanisms contributing to alcohol-induced hypertension may include effects on the normal spontaneous mechanical activity of vascular smooth muscle, depression of the contractile responses to endogenous neurohumoral substances that plays a role in maintaining vascular tone and regulation of blood flow, an imbalance of the central nervous system, impairment of the baroreceptors, an increase in sympathetic activity, effects on the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system, increased cortisol levels.