According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcoholic beverages contain ethanol — a psychoactive and toxic substance capable of causing dependence. In 2019 alone, alcohol consumption was reportedly responsible for approximately 2.6 million deaths worldwide. Noncommunicable diseases accounted for 1.6 million of those deaths, while injuries claimed 700,000 lives, and communicable diseases accounted for another 300,000, per WHO.
While the WHO shared that alcohol consumption carries health risks even at low levels, the vast majority of alcohol-related harms stem from heavy episodic or continuous drinking. Effective public health policies exist to curb these numbers, but health experts stress that individual awareness remains the first line of defence.
"Weekend drinking in moderation shouldn’t be a major health risk," Dr Ajit Menon, director of cardiology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle in an interview. "However, weekend binge drinking, which is 4-5 drinks in one sitting, can create issues affecting both the heart and the liver," he added.
That concentrated spike in consumption alters the body's internal chemistry far more dramatically than a single, mid-week glass of wine. Dr Menon pointed out that sharp spikes in blood alcohol levels trigger a cascade of systemic issues, including 'greater oxidative stress, increased inflammation, more liver toxicity, and greater cardiovascular strain'.
Moreover, the short-term consequences of a weekend blowout extend far beyond a standard hangover. Rapidly elevating your blood alcohol level can destabilise your heart’s natural rhythm and spike your blood pressure.
"Potentially, it can cause a rhythm disturbance called atrial fibrillation and sudden increases in blood pressure that can persist," Dr Menon explained, adding, "In addition, there is an increased risk of heart attacks, brain strokes, and heart failure."
Over time, heavy episodic drinking can permanently alter the physical structure of your organs. The heart muscle can weaken, diminishing its ability to pump efficiently throughout the body. "There is an increased risk of cardiomyopathy in these patients, where the heart's pumping becomes compromised," Dr Menon said. "It also affects the liver, causing a fatty liver and eventually cirrhosis. Binge drinking causes higher blood alcohol levels, which in turn have negative effects," he added.
For those who choose to consume alcohol, mitigating these risks required breaking the binge cycle and establishing intentional boundaries. If you drink, Dr Menon advised following the five essential practical rules:
⦿ Don’t 'save up' drinks for the weekend. Consuming your weekly total across one or two nights creates a spike in toxicity that your body cannot easily process.
⦿ Eat before and while drinking. Food in the stomach slows down the rate of alcohol absorption, preventing rapid surges in blood alcohol concentration.
⦿ Alternate alcoholic drinks with water. Hydration helps pace your consumption and reduces overall strain on your system.
⦿ Avoid combining alcohol with energy drinks. Mixing stimulants with depressants can mask intoxication levels, leading to higher intake and elevated cardiovascular strain.
⦿ Plan alcohol-free weekends periodically. Giving your body extended breaks allows the liver and cardiovascular system time to recover.
Dr Ajit Menon, director of cardiology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, is a heart specialist who has performed 10,000+ procedures. With over 30 years of experience, he is an expert in stents, TAVR and complex heart treatments.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More
