Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Alternative names:

cardiomyopathy - alcoholic

Definition:

A disorder resulting from excessive alcohol ingestion where the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. Decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by habitual, excessive use of alcohol. Alcohol in excessive quantities has a directly toxic effect on heart muscle cells.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy results in poor heart function because the heart muscle is too weak to pump efficiently. Symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are a result of heart failure. Lack of blood flow affects all parts of the body, resulting in damage to multiple tissues and organ systems.

Incidence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy is 2 out of 1,000 people. The disorder is most commonly seen in males ages 35 to 55 years old but it may become evident in older individuals.