However, pulmonary hypertension is more likely to cause chest pain, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially during physical activity, which is less common in alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Doctors may perform blood tests to check for markers of inflammation or infection. In contrast, alcoholic cardiomyopathy typically shows a globally weakened heart muscle without inflammation.

• In the study by Gavazzi et al10, ACM patients who continued drinking exhibited worse transplant-free survival rates after 7 years than those who stopped drinking alcohol (27% vs 45%)10.
• However, the best way to completely prevent alcoholic cardiomyopathy is not to drink at all.
• The heart muscle becomes weakened and dilated, unable to pump blood efficiently.
• The result is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy, in which the heart changes shape because its muscles are stretching too much.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

If you see any signs of alcoholic cardiomyopathy, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ contact emergency medical services immediately. You can experience heart failure if alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy is left untreated or worsens. Heart failure happens when the heart muscle becomes too weak and stops pumping blood normally. Most people who develop alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy have a history of heavy drinking—especially those who have been drinking heavily for 5 to 15 years. Alcohol septal ablation is an effective treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Risk Factors for Alcoholic Hepatitis

Over time, this means your heart can’t pump blood as effectively, which reduces your body’s available oxygen supply. If a person stops drinking, the damage to the heart muscle can be reversed. It is important to note, however, that the damage can be irreversible in some cases.

Heart transplant

The only factor to predict a poor outcome was the duration of symptoms before admission. Since those initial descriptions, reports on several isolated cases or in small series of patients with HF due to DCM and high alcohol intake have been published15-17. Some of these papers have also described the recovery of LVEF in many subjects after a period of alcohol withdrawal15-17. If at any point of time in your recovery, you notice new symptoms or the reappearance of old symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Anyone with concerns about alcohol consumption or heart health needs to consult a doctor for further advice and guidance.

• Alcoholic cardiomyopathy thins out the heart muscles and enlarges the heart due to the excessive consumption of alcohol.
• This damage makes it hard for people to quit drinking or make good decisions about how much they drink.
• Medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgical interventions can help slow the disease’s progression and improve quality of life.
• Older adults are more likely to experience the cumulative effects of alcohol on the heart, and their bodies may be less able to repair the damage caused by alcohol.
• However, some studies show that moderating alcohol consumption may lead to similar health outcomes.

Can Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Be Associated With Other Conditions?

The condition manifests with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and irregular heartbeats. The primary cause is the toxic effects of alcohol on the heart muscle cells, leading to their degeneration and impaired function. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a Alcoholics Anonymous form of heart muscle disease caused by long-term, heavy alcohol consumption. It occurs when the heart muscle weakens and thickens, leading to an inability to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms of ACM include shortness of breath, swollen ankles and legs, fatigue, and chest pain.

How to Know if You Might Have Heart Failure vs Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

• Fatigue is reported in about 60-70% of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
• Daily consumption of low to moderate amounts of alcohol has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health among both ischemic and non-ischemic patients1-3.
• Finally, we analyzed and presented the synthesized literature, along with relevant findings and conclusions from the included studies, in a coherent manner.
• Prevalence of this condition depends on several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the duration of abuse, and the individual’s genetic predisposition.
• It is also important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as both can further damage the heart.

As a point of reference, consuming 80 grams of alcohol daily for at least 5 years can significantly increase the risk of ACM. Myocardial depression secondary to alcohol is initially reversible however prolonged sustained alcohol use leads to irreversible dysfunction. Cleveland Clinic can diagnose and treat heart failure of any alcoholic cardiomyopathy kind, at any stage, with advanced therapies and compassionate care.

• When trying to determine if you have alcoholic neuropathy, your doctor will ask you about your alcohol consumption habits.
• Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can change the heart’s shape and function.
• This condition is very serious and represents one of the biggest long-term dangers of abusing alcohol.
• At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we understand the complexities of alcohol dependency and offer treatment for people looking to improve their health by overcoming addiction.