Hangover And The Heart: Effects Of Excessive Drinking On The Human Body

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Did you know that nearly one in four Australians drinks alcohol at risky levels?¹ While moderate alcohol use may fit into some people’s social lives, heavy drinking can cause significant health risks. In Australia, “excessive” typically means consuming over 10 standard drinks per week, or more than 4 standard drinks or more at any one occasion².

Moderate drinking and excessive drinking are very different; one stays within recommended guidelines, the other crosses or exceeds them.

What counts as excessive drinking?

A standard drink in Australia contains 10 g of pure alcohol³. Here are some examples:

• 100 ml of wine (approximately)= 1 standard drink
• 285 ml full-strength beer = about 1.1 standard drinks

Australian guidelines (for healthy adults)

The current guidelines by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend:

• No more than 10 standard drinks per week, and
• No more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

Note: No amount of alcohol is safe; the less you drink, the safer you are.

Hence, when alcohol intake goes beyond those limits, especially consistently, it’s no longer moderate; it becomes “excessive.”

Short-term effects

When you drink heavily on a single occasion or over a short period, you may experience:

• Slurred speech, poor coordination, and slower reflexes
• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, and dehydration
• Reduced inhibitions leading to risky behaviour (e.g., unsafe sex, accidents)
• Hangovers and poor sleep quality
• Accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment

These effects highlight that alcohol’s influence isn’t limited to your internal systems; it affects your thinking, coordination, and judgment.

Long-term health effects

If heavy drinking becomes habitual, it can harm many of the body’s systems. Below are major areas of impact:

Brain and mental health

• Memory loss, depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of stroke and dementia⁴.
• Increased risk of alcohol dependence and addiction.

Heart and circulation

• High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and a weakened cardiac muscle.
• Higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other circulation problems.

Liver and digestion

• Fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
• Pancreatitis and other digestive system issues

Immune and metabolic health

• Weakened immune system
• Weight gain, poor blood sugar control, and a higher risk of diabetes.

Cancer risk

• Increased risk of mouth, throat, liver, breast, and bowel cancers.

Effects on daily life

It’s not just your body that’s impacted by excessive drinking; it can also disrupt your everyday life, from your energy levels and concentration to your relationships and finances.

• Poor concentration or productivity
• Relationship and family stress
• Financial strain
• Sleep disruption and low energy or fatigue

Alcohol and mental health

Heavy drinking and mental health are closely connected. While a drink may seem to calm you in the moment, in the longer term it can:

• Worsen anxiety and depression
• Lead to dependence; drinking just to feel “normal”
• Interfere with the treatment of mental health problems

If you’re feeling low or drinking to handle stress, it’s time to seek professional help.

How much alcohol is too much?

Healthy adults should aim for no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. However, and as alcohol in itself is a toxin, there’s no risk-free level of alcohol; drinking less means less harm.

A great way to start is by tracking your drinking. Using an app or a simple log can help you understand your habits and compare them with the guidelines.

When to consult a doctor

Seek medical help if:

• Your drinking is affecting your work, relationships, or mood
• You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• You want help to reduce or stop drinking safely, especially after long-term heavy use.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Telehealth medical certificate — for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists – or in-person services when needed
• Instant scripts (if clinically appropriate)
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest.

Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

Conclusion

Excessive alcohol consumption can impact almost every organ in the body, from the brain and heart to the liver, immune system and mental health. The positive news is that your health can start to improve quickly once you reduce your intake. If you’re worried about your drinking or need support, Hola Health’s online doctors are here to help you take the first step towards a healthier, alcohol-free life.