Over time, excessive use of alcohol has a direct toxic effect on
the heart muscle cells. The heart muscle becomes weakened and
cannot pump blood efficiently. The lack of blood flow affects all
parts of the body, resulting in damage to multiple tissues and
organ systems. Alcohol may also directly damage the liver and other
organs.
Review Date: 12/23/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
