The acute cardiac effects of ethanol (ETOH) have been studied in 32 normal volunteers. 40–60 min after completion of the consumption of an average 6 oz of 100 proof (50 %) vodka, mean serum ETOH levels of 115 mg% by the Breathalyzer test and 135 mg % by direct chemical determination were observed. Within 15 min thereafter, significant increases were observed in the pre-ejection period (PEP), rate-corrected PEP (PEPI), isovolumic contraction time (ICT) and the ratio of PEP to left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) and rate (p 2 decreased (p 2I. The data reported herein are at variance with previously reported hemodynamic observations which have suggested a salutary cardiac effect of ETOH in normal subjects given similar doses. The depressant cardiac effects of alcohol observed here in normals have previously been emphasized only in cardiac patients and alcoholics.