Which of the following is a short-term effect of alcohol?

Raised heart rate is a well-documented short-term effect of alcohol consumption. When alcohol is ingested, it causes the body to release adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. This response can happen quickly after consuming alcohol and may be noticeable during social drinking or in situations where alcohol is consumed rapidly.

In contrast, digestive issues can occur but are often considered more indirect effects due to longer patterns of excessive drinking. Chronic fatigue typically results from prolonged alcohol use and is not generally classified as a short-term effect. Long-term memory loss, also known as alcohol-induced blackouts or cognitive impairment, is a consequence of heavy drinking over time rather than a short-term effect. Thus, the raised heart rate is the most appropriate choice, reflecting an immediate physiological response to alcohol consumption.