India, July 4 -- When one refers to alcohol as their poison of choice, they are hitting far closer to home than they often realise. In addition to affecting various other organs, alcohol also has specific effects on the heart.

Taking to Instagram on July 3, Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified heart surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, explained how it happens, what the effects are, and what can be done about it.

Before understanding how alcohol affects the heart in particular, it is important to understand how the substance reacts within the human body. According to Dr London, the liver breaks down alcohol into a chemical compound called acetaldehyde, which is toxic to every cell in the body.

In his words, "How does alcohol a...