Cardiologist warns ‘more than 3 drinks of alcohol a day increases the risk of stroke by 50%’

Published on: Sep 23, 2025, 10:54:14 IST

By Eshana Saha

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Consumption of alcohol causes serious damage to the heart over time. (Pexel)

We often think that drinking alcohol in small quantities is harmless, but Dr Yaranov warns that the habit causes serious damage to your heart over time.

Most of us like to believe that the occasional drink is harmless - we reassure ourselves that “just one” won’t do any damage. But over time, that habit can silently compound, putting immense strain on the heart. Sustained alcohol use isn’t just an innocent indulgence; it’s closely linked to a range of cardiovascular problems that can weaken the heart and even lead to life-threatening conditions.

Also Read | Cardiologist explains heart attacks are deadlier in women than men, highlights ‘gender gap’ in heart health

Dr Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist and heart transplant surgeon, specialising in advanced heart failure, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support, working with Baptist Memorial Health care, warns that sustained alcohol consumption can severely weaken the heart over time.

In an Instagram video posted on September 23, the cardiologist cautions that alcohol consumption is not merely a harmless indulgence - it builds up damage over time, causing a series of serious heart conditions. He outlines five major ways chronic alcohol consumption harms the heart, and also points out key symptoms to watch for.

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A post shared by Dmitry Yaranov, MD | Cardiologist 🫀 (@heart_transplant_doc)

The effects of alcohol on the heart

cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart where the heart muscles thicken, enlarge or become rigid, making the heart weaker and more difficult for it to pump blood to the rest of the body, as per the American Heart Association. According to Dr Yaranov, “1 in 3 heavy drinkers will develop alcoholic cardiomyopathy - where the heart muscle weakens and can lead to heart failure.”

Blood pressure

The cardiologist highlights the detrimental effects of alcohol on blood pressure - “Chronic alcohol use can raise your blood pressure by 2-4 mmHg for every drink you consume, making your heart work harder.”

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, AFib or arrhythmia, is a heart condition characterised by a fast or erratic heart rate, due to the irregular beating of the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, according to the American Heart Association. Dr Yaranov highlights, “1 in 4 people with Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) have a history of heavy drinking. Alcohol can trigger irregular heart rhythms.”

Stroke

The cardiologist adds that drinking more than three drinks in a day can increase the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent.

Coronary artery disease

Dr Yaranov warns that chronic alcohol consumption can double the risk of coronary artery disease, making individuals far more vulnerable to heart attacks and long-term cardiovascular complications.

Also Read | Cardiologist reveals having ‘big heart’ in medical terms is not a compliment but cause for concern: Here's why

Symptoms

Dr Yaranov lists the following as symptoms of the effects of chronic drinking and a weakened heart:

Severe fatigue
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the legs

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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