Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.


Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Overview

What is alcoholic cardiomyopathy?
A person with alcoholic cardiomyopathy has a weakened heart, caused by the toxic effect of alcohol on the heart muscle. Over time, alcohol damages and weakens the heart muscle: the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the tissues in the body. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy results in congestive heart failure.

What are the symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy?
Early symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy include cough, weakness, and fatigue. Additional symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy include leg swelling, weight gain, difficulty breathing when lying flat, increasing shortness of breath with activity, and waking in the middle of the night short of breath.

How does the doctor treat alcoholic cardiomyopathy?
Treatment for alcoholic cardiomyopathy includes medications that remove excess water from the body and encourage the heart to pump more effectively. Additional treatment includes fluid restriction, and a diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol.

Continue to Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Incidence

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2010 References

PubMed Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy References