Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

All of us know that consuming alcohol is not only a vice but also affects the health of an individual. This is due to the fact that alcohol contains toxins which when enter the body can slowly deteriorate the function of the organs and lead to organ failure. Alcohol increases the toxicity in the blood, which when transported to other organs in the body can degenerate the tissues of the organs. One such heart disease that is caused due to an excessive intake of alcohol is alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This can be seen in men mostly aged between 35 to 55 years and can also develop in any individual who is under a prolonged influence of alcohol addiction. Though alcohol affects the entire body, the main organs affected are the heart and liver. Alcohol leads to the malfunctioning of the heart. This diastolic dysfunction, caused due to alcohol poisoning, can impair the heart, thereby causing multiple organ failure, a condition which can be life-threatening. The chambers of the heart, including the blood vessels, may experience swelling, which may result in dilated cardiomyopathy. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also lead to another type of cardiomyopathy called ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are usually subdued in the initial stages. However, the symptoms may surface, once the condition has intensified. The symptoms of which can be observed in an affected individual is triggered due to congestive heart failure.

• The person may complain of chest pain and a feeling of discomfort. Heart murmur can also be heard during chest examination.
• Swelling of the lower extremities can be observed. Sometimes the entire body may swell up due to retention of fluid.
• Heart palpitations, accompanied by shortness of breath can be felt during an activity. The individual may also experience strained breathing while lying down.
• The individual may have an extreme urge to urinate at night, a condition known as nocturia. However, the urine output may be low (oliguria) contradictory to the urge.
• The individual may feel loss of energy and fatigue due to a decrease in the oxygen levels in the blood.
• A feeling of fullness or a bloating sensation can be experienced due to an enlarged liver.
• Other symptoms observed that can be noticed in a person suffering from this heart disorder are abnormal sounds in the lungs, swelling in the veins of the neck, abnormally low blood pressure etc.

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Prognosis and Treatment

Diagnosis may include electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and a coronary angiography etc. Once the exact condition of the heart is diagnosed, then the health care provider may administer the appropriate treatment. In case of heart failure, diuretics, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors may be administered to remove excess fluid from the organs of the body. A device known as implantable defibrillator (ICD) may be inserted into the body to improve the heart's pumping capacity. If this condition becomes irreversible, then the doctor may advise the patient to undergo a heart transplant surgery.

Unfortunately the prognosis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy is very poor. In case of severe heart damage due to alcohol, the condition cannot be reversed. An irreversible heart damage and failure can result in death of the person. However, if the individual totally abstains from alcohol abuse and the symptoms are diagnosed early, then there are chances that the health of the individual can improve.

It is advisable to quit alcohol and any other vices, since it is one of the best ways to avoid this degenerative disease from affecting you. It is essential to take proper care of your heart health to live a long and disease free life. Stay healthy!