However, ischemic heart disease often causes chest pain during physical activity or stress (angina), which is less common in alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Ischemic heart disease is also linked to risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes, rather than alcohol use. Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, occurs in approximately 70-80% of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy. It is often one of the earliest symptoms and worsens as the disease progresses. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy weakens the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion, making it difficult to breathe, especially during physical activity or when lying down.
Swelling in the Legs (Edema)
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol over many years can directly damage the heart muscle.
- Drink alcohol excessively causes high blood pressure and places strain on the blood vessels and heart muscle.
- Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
- Cardiomyopathy can also be the result of gradual changes in heart structure over time, which could take years.
- Therefore, based on the existence or absence of congestive heart failure symptoms and signs, individuals may be classified as asymptomatic (preclinical phase) or symptomatic (clinical phase).
The postulated mechanism includes mitochondria damage, oxidative stress injury, apoptosis, modification of actin and myosin structure, and alteration of calcium homeostasis. Studies have what is alcoholic cardiomyopathy shown an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in myocytes following alcohol consumption and thus causes oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA leading to cardiac dysfunction. These changes are related to both direct alcohol toxicity on cardiac cells and the indirect toxicity of major alcohol metabolites such as acetaldehyde. In addition, people who receive early treatment for ACM, including medication and lifestyle modifications, have a better chance of improving their heart function and overall health.
Need help with medications?
Reach out to one of our treatment specialists today and find out how to get the best possible care for you or your loved one. Additionally, a person may be put on dietary restrictions that recommend a low-sodium diet, limiting fluid intake, and taking diuretics to further reduce sodium and fluid levels. Patients may notice improvements in mood and mental health within a few weeks, though full benefits may take several months. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize Addictionresource to contact you. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Addictionresource. Seeking professional assistance, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, or accessing other support networks can provide invaluable help to overcome alcohol use disorder.
Call 8-1-1 for 24/7 health advice
- Other findings may include cool extremities with decreased pulses and generalized cachexia, muscle atrophy, and weakness due to chronic heart failure and/or the direct effect of chronic alcohol consumption.
- The primary cause of alcoholic cardiomyopathy is prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption.
- To submit your question about physical activity, please complete the form below.
- Over time, this can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications.
- Alcoholic cardiomyopathy can present with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Reach out to one of our treatment specialists today and find out how to get the best possible care for you or your loved one.
- However, dietary changes and medication are usually only effective when combined with or implemented following treatment for alcohol misuse.
Ask any patient presenting with new heart failure of unclear etiology about their alcohol history, with attention to daily, maximal, and lifetime intake and the duration of that intake. Some studies have suggested that a genetic vulnerability exists to the myocardial effects of alcohol consumption. Individuals with certain mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mutations and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes (DD genotype) may be particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol. Unfortunately, alcoholic cardiomyopathy does not typically present with progressive symptoms.
First, we devised a search strategy Substance abuse to retrieve relevant articles from PubMed. Next, we established inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine the eligibility of articles. Meanwhile, we excluded duplicates, case reports, letters, editorials, and reviews not specifically addressing ACM. We then proceeded with screening and selection based on the titles and abstracts of the initial search results. Two independent reviewers assessed each article for relevance and eligibility for full-text review. Once the 15 articles were selected (see Appendix Table 1 for the list of included articles), we extracted and organized relevant information from them.
- If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
- Reducing alcohol intake can also help in lowering blood pressure, decreasing the risk of long-term heart complications.
- Knowing when to seek help can prevent irreversible damage and potentially save lives.
Depending on the dose, everything can be both a poison and a remedy, and alcohol is no exception. Being completely honest with the doctor about drinking habits is extremely important. This allows them to accurately diagnose symptoms and determine the next steps to take.
Additionally, drinking alcohol in large quantities may result in irregular heartbeats (often referred to as “holiday heart syndrome”), which can also cause chest pain. However, hypertensive heart disease is linked https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to long-term high blood pressure, while alcoholic cardiomyopathy is related to chronic alcohol use. A history of high blood pressure is common in hypertensive heart disease but not in alcoholic cardiomyopathy. A persistent cough is present in about 20-30% of patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.