Alcohol consumption remains one of the most powerful risk factors for stroke. Dr. Silvia Kotta, a cardiologist at Laquintinie Hospital, sounds the alarm and raises public awareness about the overlooked dangers of this deadly duo for heart health.
« Alcohol and the heart do not mix well. » Dr. Silvia Kotta’s reminder comes on the occasion of World Stroke Day, October 29, 2026, placed under the theme « Every minute counts. » While social gatherings often involve alcohol, the specialist emphasizes that every drink leaves indelible marks on the body. Whether through daily use or occasional binge drinking, the impact on the cardiovascular system remains devastating.
A Direct Attack on the Body
According to a study conducted by the University of São Paulo and published in April 2025—at a time when the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health—Brazilian researchers highlighted a troubling reality: consuming even a single glass of alcohol a day can permanently damage the brain. For chronic consumers who abuse alcohol over several years, the danger is profound. « There is a risk of a direct attack by alcohol on heart cells. This can lead to a toxic heart condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy, » explains Dr. Kotta.
Beyond this muscular damage, alcohol acts as a driver of hypertension, thereby multiplying the risk of stroke. The situation is even more critical for vulnerable individuals. « Alcohol consumption is even more dangerous for hypertensive individuals because it prevents proper blood pressure control, even when the patient is on medication, » stresses the cardiologist.
Listening to Warning Signs to React Quickly
Faced with this peril, the body emits clear warnings that should not be ignored. « When you start experiencing frequent headaches that do not go away, or bothersome regular palpitations, you
need to worry about your alcohol consumption, » warns the doctor. These symptoms often reflect underlying cardiovascular distress.
Moderation and Prevention: Rules to Follow
To avoid a fatal stroke, daily vigilance is essential. Dr. Silvia Kotta advocates for simple rules of sobriety: « Let us limit our alcohol consumption to one glass a day, but not every day. Let us avoid the occasional consumption of excessive quantities. » As a benchmark, she recalls, a standard drink equals half a pint of beer.
On this awareness day, avoiding a stroke also relies on an overall healthy lifestyle: balancing one’s diet, monitoring weight, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and controlling blood sugar levels. Because when it comes to heart health and strokes, every minute truly counts.
