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Alternative Names Return to top
Cardiomyopathy - alcoholicDefinition Return to top
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disorder in which drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time weakens the heart muscle so that it cannot pump blood efficiently.
Causes Return to top
Drinking alcohol in large quantities has a toxic effect on the heart. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a form of a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and the heart muscle thins (dilated cardiomyopathy) due to alcohol abuse.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy causes the weakened heart muscle to pump inefficiently, leading to heart failure. In severe cases, the lack of blood flow affects all parts of the body, damaging many tissues and organs.
The disorder is most commonly seen in men ages 35-55. However, it may develop in anyone who drinks too much alcohol over a long period of time.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy may be confused with dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown cause (idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy) if the person's drinking history is not known.
Symptoms Return to top
There are usually no symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. At that point, the symptoms occur due to heart failure and may include:
Exams and Tests Return to top
A health care provider will conduct a physical examination, which may show:
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is usually diagnosed when chronic heavy drinking is discovered as a cause of heart failure.
The following tests may reveal signs of heart failure:
Treatment Return to top
You may be placed on a low-salt diet. The amount of liquids you drink may be restricted. It is very important that you stop drinking alcohol completely.
Heart failure may be treated with:
In people with congestive heart failure and severely weakened heart pumping, an implantable defibrillator (ICD) may help them live longer. Sometimes a biventricular pacemaker can improve symptoms and quality of life. The health care provider may recommend a single device that combines a biventricular pacemaker and an ICD.
A heart transplant may be considered when the cardiomyopathy is not reversible.
Eventually, nutritional problems involving thiamine, phosphorus, potassium, or magnesium levels may require treatment.
Support Groups Return to top
For more information on support groups where members share common experiences and problems, see alcoholism support groups and heart disease support groups.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Not drinking any alcohol may stop the disease and improve the heart's functioning. However, people with severe heart damage may never return to normal.
Once the heart damage and heart failure is irreversible, the outlook is poor.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your provider if you have:
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have alcoholic cardiomyopathy and experience:
Prevention Return to top
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a consequence of years of excessive alcohol use. Do not use alcohol in excess. If you drink heavily and find that you cannot cut down or stop drinking, seek help.
Control other risk factors for heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Eat a generally well-balanced, nutritious diet, and avoid smoking.
References Return to top
Hare JM. The Dilated, Restrictive, and Infiltrative Cardiomyopathies. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Libby: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 64.
Update Date: 5/15/2008 Updated by: Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |