title: Mechanisms of cardiovascular dysregulation during alcohol withdrawal.
abstract: Alcohol withdrawal (AW) is often accompanied by functional cardiovascular abnormalities which return to normal in few days. However, in some patients, they can predict future alterations in the cardiovascular system, even if they remain in abstinence. These changes are mediated by several central and peripheral mechanisms closely related to AW. The level of activation in the sympathetic nervous system is an important factor regulating the functioning of the cardiovascular system in AW directly and/or indirectly with L-type calcium channels and nitric oxide (NO). Other factors may contribute to cardiovascular alterations in AW including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vasopressin, cortisol and sodium sensitivity. Monitoring of the cardiovascular system is needed in patients undergoing treatment for AW. The patients with elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after resolution of AW may require a fuller work-up of their cardiovascular system.
authors.affiliation: BioMag Laboratory, Medical Engineering Centre, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 340, FIN-00029 HUS, Finland. Seppo.Kahkonen@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Seppo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kähkönen
mesh_terms: D020751:Alcohol-Induced Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000438:Alcohols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D015220:Calcium Channels; D009569:Nitric Oxide