Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the abuse of alcohol use damages the heart muscle causing heart failure. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a type of Dilated cardiomyopathy. Due to the abuse of Alcohol the heart has become weakened and will not pump blood efficiently leading to heart failure. It can effect other parts of the body if the heart failure is severe. It can be commonly found in middle age men between the ages of 35-50.

Diagnosis
Abnormal heart sounds, murmurs, EKG abnormalities, and enlarged heart on chest x-ray may lead to the diagnosis. Echocardiogram abnormalities and cardiac catheterization or angiogram to rule out coronary artery blockages, along with a history of alcohol abuse can confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms
Symptoms presented by the occurrence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are the result of the heart failing and usually occur after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Therefore the symptoms have a lot in common with other forms of cardiomyopathy. These symptoms can include:


 * Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
 * Overall swelling
 * Loss of appetite
 * Shortness of breath, especially with activity
 * Breathing difficulty while lying down
 * Fatigue, weakness, faintness
 * Decreased alertness or concentration
 * Cough containing mucus, or pink, frothy material
 * Decreased urine output (oliguria)
 * Need to urinate at night (nocturia)
 * Palpitations
 * Irregular or rapid pulse

Treatment
Treatment for Alcoholic cardiomyopathy involves a lifestyle change as well as treatment through medication. If the heart failure is severe the effectiveness of treatment will be limited.

Medication may include, ACE inhibitors and Beta Blockers which are commonly used with other forms of cardiomyopathy to reduce the strain on the heart. The medication may include diuretics to help remove the excess liquid in the body. Persons with congestive heart failure maybe considered for surgery insert and ICD or a pacemaker which can improve the heart function. In cases where the heart failure is irreversible and declining a heart transplant maybe considered. Lifestyle changes would include an absitnance from alcohol, a low sodium diet and a reduction in the fluids consumed.

Treatment will possibly prevent the heart from deterioration but is unlikely to reverse the reduced function that has already occurred