Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a condition where excessive alcohol use damages the heart. Parts of your heart stretch and enlarge, causing this damage. Your heart's muscle becomes weaker, as a result, making it less able to pump blood effectively. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a relatively uncommon illness that affects 1% to 2% of adults who drink more alcohol than is recommended. Anyone who consumes too much alcohol might develop alcoholic cardiomyopathy. People with alcohol use disorders or those who have genetic abnormalities that lead them to process alcohol more slowly are more likely to experience it.
Chest pain
Coughing
Fatigue or weakness
Feeling lightheaded or passing out
Heart palpitations
Increased pressure and bulging of veins in your neck
Trouble breathing
Swelling in your feet, ankles, and lower legs
Loss of appetite
Loss of muscle mass
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a General Practitioner (General Practice doctor), who might refer you to a Cardiologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Your cardiologist may request the following tests to detect any changes in the shape of your heart:
Lab tests
Echocardiogram: this test uses a device that produces ultra-high-frequency sound waves. Those waves help create a picture of your heart.
Electrocardiography: sensors should be attached to the skin of your chest to detect the electrical activity of your heart.
Chest X-ray: X-ray can often show heart enlargement.
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan: a 3-D picture of the heart.
Treatment starts with helping you reduce your alcohol consumption or stop drinking entirely. That may also include receiving supportive care that will help in preventing any alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or at least, lessening their severity. Your cardiologist will address your symptoms while you cut back on drinking. This typically involves specific drug classes used to manage cardiac rhythm issues or other heart failure symptoms.
Medications for heart rhythm and blood pressure issues. (Ex: atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, metoprolol)
Medications for relieving the swelling and getting rid of excess fluids (Ex: indapamide, Bendroflumethiazide)
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