Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the chronic long-term abuse of alcohol leads to heart failure. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy. Due to the direct toxic effects of alcohol on heart muscle, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to heart failure. It can affect other parts of the body if the heart failure is severe. It is most common in males between the ages of 35-50.
Alchoholic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms:
Symptoms presented by the occurrence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are the result of the heart failing and usually occur after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Therefore the symptoms have a lot in common with other forms of cardiomyopathy.
The symptoms include:
Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
Overall swelling
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath, especially with activity
Breathing difficulty while lying down
Fatigue, weakness, faintness
Decreased alertness or concentration
Cough containing mucus, or pink, frothy material
Decreased urine output (oliguria)
Need to urinate at night (nocturia)
Palpitations
Irregular or rapid pulse
Alchoholic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis:
Abnormal heart sounds, murmurs, ECG abnormalities, and enlarged heart on chest x-ray may lead to the diagnosis. Echocardiogram abnormalities and cardiac catheterization or angiogram to rule out coronary artery blockages, along with a history of alcohol abuse can confirm the diagnosis.
Alchoholic Cardiomyopathy Treatment:
Treatment for alcoholic cardiomyopathy involves lifestyle changes, including complete abstinence from alcohol use, a low sodium diet, and fluid restriction, as well as medications. Medications may include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics which are commonly used with other forms of cardiomyopathy to reduce the strain on the heart. Persons with congestive heart failure may be considered for surgical insertion of an ICD or a pacemaker which can improve heart function. In cases where the heart failure is irreversible and worsening, heart transplant may be considered. Treatment will possibly prevent the heart from further deterioration but is unlikely to reverse the reduced function that has already occurred.
Alchoholic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms:
Symptoms presented by the occurrence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are the result of the heart failing and usually occur after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Therefore the symptoms have a lot in common with other forms of cardiomyopathy.
The symptoms include:
Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
Overall swelling
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath, especially with activity
Breathing difficulty while lying down
Fatigue, weakness, faintness
Decreased alertness or concentration
Cough containing mucus, or pink, frothy material
Decreased urine output (oliguria)
Need to urinate at night (nocturia)
Palpitations
Irregular or rapid pulse
Alchoholic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis:
Abnormal heart sounds, murmurs, ECG abnormalities, and enlarged heart on chest x-ray may lead to the diagnosis. Echocardiogram abnormalities and cardiac catheterization or angiogram to rule out coronary artery blockages, along with a history of alcohol abuse can confirm the diagnosis.
Alchoholic Cardiomyopathy Treatment:
Treatment for alcoholic cardiomyopathy involves lifestyle changes, including complete abstinence from alcohol use, a low sodium diet, and fluid restriction, as well as medications. Medications may include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics which are commonly used with other forms of cardiomyopathy to reduce the strain on the heart. Persons with congestive heart failure may be considered for surgical insertion of an ICD or a pacemaker which can improve heart function. In cases where the heart failure is irreversible and worsening, heart transplant may be considered. Treatment will possibly prevent the heart from further deterioration but is unlikely to reverse the reduced function that has already occurred.
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