Since alcoholics tend to have vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies, these should be treated promptly to help prevent further complications. Chest radiographs usually show evidence of cardiac enlargement, pulmonary congestion, and pleural effusions. Other studies and reviews have also quoted quantities similar to those mentioned above, 11 and the type of beverage consumed appeared to be irrelevant.

How Alcohol Affects the Heart?

Remember if your doctor is not aware of your entire history, medical and otherwise, chances are he may not be able to treat your illness or even save your life. When consumed, alcohol acts as a stimulant, causing the heart to beat faster. It can also lead to dehydration and raised blood pressure, which contributes to an elevated heart rate. While a moderate increase is usually temporary, chronic heavy drinking or binge drinking can cause more serious cardiovascular issues, such as arrhythmias and high blood pressure.

How to Know if You Might Have Dilated Cardiomyopathy vs Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

• Mild forms can be reversed with abstinence, but severe forms can cause liver failure.
• At first, the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively can decrease because of alcohol, but this can get better if a person stops drinking.
• Many treatment programs offer ongoing support groups that continue to meet and provide peer support or recommend attending community support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Timely diagnosis and adherence to treatment can result in successful outcomes, with some recovery of heart function possible when alcohol consumption ceases 3. The deterioration of the cardiac function in alcoholics is related to a complex pathophysiology. In asymptomatic cases, there is cardiac dysfunction, but clinical manifestations such as dyspnea do not emerge until advanced disease. Structural Substance abuse changes have been noted in autopsies of chronic alcoholics without congestive heart failure 7. ACM is implicated in approximately 3.8% of all cases of cardiomyopathy 6.

• The following sections outline key symptoms and how they may progress over time.
• When the disease is diagnosed too late (later stages), the damage is often severe and the heart damage can’t be repaired.
• Anyone with concerns about alcohol consumption or heart health needs to consult a doctor for further advice and guidance.

Recovery

Unexplained weight gain occurs in approximately 30-40% of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This is typically due to fluid retention rather than an increase in body fat. As the heart’s function deteriorates, the kidneys may become less efficient at removing excess fluid from the body, alcoholic cardiomyopathy symptoms leading to weight gain. Patients may notice swelling in the legs, abdomen, or other areas as fluid accumulates. ACM is a type of heart disease that develops due to chronic alcohol consumption.