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Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
Definition:
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disorder in which excessive, habitual use of alcohol weakens the heart muscle. The heart cannot pump blood efficiently, and this in turn affects the lungs, liver, brain, and other body systems. Alternative Names:
Cardiomyopathy - alcoholic Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Drinking alcohol in large quantities has a directly toxic effect on heart muscle cells. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by habitual alcohol abuse. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy causes the weakened heart muscle to pump inefficiently, leading to heart failure. Lack of blood flow affects all parts of the body, resulting in damage to multiple tissues and organ systems. The disorder is most commonly seen in males ages 35-55 years old, but it may develop in anyone who consumes too much alcohol over a long period of time. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy may be identified as "idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy" if the person's drinking history is not known.
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