Alcohol induced Cardiomyopathy
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy refers to a heart disorder which is caused by severe weakening of the heart muscles caused due to excessive imbibing of alcohol. This weakening of the heart muscles make the pumping of the blood in the body much less effective. The ingestion of large quantities of alcohol over a period of time causes the concentration of by-products of alcohol metabolism to increase. This accumulation has a very toxic effect on the heart muscle cells and they either die or become weakened and diseased leading to alcohol induced cardiomyopathy.
Alcohol induced Cardiomyopathy
The weakened heart muscles are unable to efficiently pump blood to all parts of the body which damages various tissues and organs all over the body in addition to the possibility of heart failure.
The most common victims lie in the age group of 35 to 55 years but anyone can be at risk if their consumption of alcohol is large or over a long period of time or both. The symptoms of alcohol induced cardiomyopathy do not manifest themselves till the disease is in an advanced stage and when they do, they may include:
- Swelling of the legs, feet and ankles
- Loss of appetite
- Breathlessness, more pronounced with activity
- Swelling all over the body
- Difficulty in breathing while lying down
- Lack of concentration and alertness
- Fatigue
- Decreased output of urine
- Heart palpitations
- A weak or irregular pulse
When examined by a doctor, a patient of alcohol induced cardiomyopathy will normally reveal some or all of the following symptoms and signs:
- The echocardiogram will show valves that are leaking, reduced pumping efficiency and /or enlarged heart chambers which also leak
- An electrocardiogram may give evidence of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat patterns
- A chest X-ray shows enlarged heart chambers and fluid accumulation in the lungs
The treatment for alcohol induced cardiomyopathy will include a strict low-salt and low-fluid diet regime to counter the accumulation of fluid in the body tissues. Diuretics like furosemide and spironolactone may be given to excrete away the extra fluid accumulated in the tissues along with beta-blockers to smooth out the heart rhythms. In some cases, the use of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator may be required if the patient has severely weakened pumping functions.
Some patients of alcohol induced cardiomyopathy may be required to obtain a heart transplant to live reasonably healthy lives.