This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (prototype). The objectives are as follows: Main objective To assess the effects of alcohol consumption on the progression to symptomatic (stage C) heart failure in people at risk for heart failure (stage A) or in people with pre-heart failure (stage B). Secondary objectives To assess the effects of alcohol consumption on progression of left ventricular dysfunction in people with stage A or stage B heart failure. We will assess the effect of alcohol consumption on the development of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, mildly reduced ejection fraction, and preserved ejection fraction. We also aim to evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption on the development of symptomatic (stage C) heart failure over the short, medium and long term.