Alcohol has profound, adverse effects on the human body, compromising liver function and cognitive performance and increasing the risk for various cancers. A recent study demonstrates that alcohol impairs mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism and increases inflammation in heart cells.

Researchers grew human-induced pluripotent stem cells into three-dimensional heart cell structures called cardiac spheroids and exposed them to clinically relevant amounts of ethanol (the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages) for five weeks. They then examined various aspects of the heart cells, including mitochondrial function, gene expression patterns, and metabolite production.

They found that prolonged ethanol exposure reduced the heart cells' mitochondrial function, increased reliance on glycolysis (a less efficient energy production process), hindered fatty acid breakdown, and impaired cardiac structure development. The cells exhibited changes in gene expression related to metabolic processes, heart development, and responses to hypoxia. They also produced more inflammation-associated metabolites.

Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk for various heart-related issues, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), and heart failure. In addition, chronic heavy alcohol use has adverse effects on bone health, increasing the risk of fractures during weight-bearing activities.

These findings highlight the harmful effects of chronic alcohol consumption on heart cells at the molecular level. Avoiding alcohol can be challenging, but vigorous aerobic exercise can help reduce alcohol cravings. Learn more in this video featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

• Read study abstract.