P-278: Acute effect of moderate alcohol intake on vascular reactivity

Background: Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with lower cardiovascular risk. The effect of alcohol on vascular reactivity has not been adequately investigated. Methods: We studied 12 healthy volunteers (< 40 years of age) without known cardiovascular risk factors. The subjects were studied on 2 separate occasions, one with alcohol (one ounce orally, dose corresponding to 2 ‘drink equivalents’) and one with placebo according to a randomized, double-blind crossover, fashion. High-frequency ultrasound of the brachial artery was used to study endothelial function after reactive hyperemia induced by cuff occlusion before and 30 minutes after drinking. Results: There was a significant dilatation of the brachial artery (P