Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Learning Center

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Welcome

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disorder in which excessive, habitual use of alcohol weakens the heart muscle. The heart cannot pump blood efficiently, and this in turn affects the lungs, liver, brain, and other body syst...

Basic Info

Symptoms
Symptoms are usually absent until the disease is in an advanced stage. At that point, the symptoms occur due to heart f...
Causes
Drinking alcohol in large quantities has a toxic effect on heart muscle cells. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a form of di...
Tests
A health care provider will conduct a physical examination, which may reveal: Abnormal heart sounds; Abnormal lung soun...
Treatments
You may be placed on a low-salt diet, and the amount of liquids you drink may be restricted. Heart failure may be treat...
Drugs
  • benazepril
  • captopril
  • carvedilol
Alternative Therapies
For more information on support groups where members share common experiences and problems, see alcoholism support grou...
Risk Factors
  • males ages 35-55 years old
  • years of excessive alcohol use
Complications
Congestive heart failure; Heart arrhythmias, including lethal arrhythmias.
Prevention
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a consequence of years of excessive alcohol use. Do not use alcohol in excess. If you drink...
Doctor Specialties
Call your provider if you have any symptoms of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Call your provider if alcoholic cardiom...

Basic Info

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