There are no specific lab tests to diagnose ACM, but some may be useful for checking the extent of alcohol-induced damage. The first and most important diagnosis to rule out is coronary artery disease. To maintain abstinence, recent investigations suggest the benefits of adjuvant medications, e. To treat the alcohol problem, a combined approach comprising pharmacologic and psychosocial therapy involving self-help groups or Alcoholics Anonymous is essential.
Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy
However, for others, the effects of alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy may be life-long. Even in cases where people can undergo a heart transplant, individuals with a history of alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy are more likely to face other health problems down the road. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is most https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alternatives-to-alcohol/ common in men between the ages of 35 and 50, but the condition can affect women as well. People with alcoholic cardiomyopathy often have a history of heavy, long-term drinking, usually between five and 15 years. Heavy drinking is alcohol consumption that exceeds the recommended daily limits.
What can I expect if I have this condition?
It was characterized by congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion, and an elevated hemoglobin concentration. The explanation proved to be the addition of small amounts of cobalt chloride. Cobalt was used as a foam stabilizer by certain alcoholic cardiomyopathy is especially dangerous because breweries in Canada and in the USA. Cobalt poisoning and alcohol together acted synergistically in these patients. As the syndrome could be attributed to the toxicity of this trace element, the additive was prohibited thereafter.
Is this condition only a chronic (long-term) problem?
Although some authors contend that the initial event is the appearance of hypertrophy, the majority accept that the core event is the loss of cardiomyocytes. Basic research studies have described an abundance of mechanisms that could underscore the functional and structural alterations found in ACM. Because of this, their origin could be multifactorial and linked both to the alcohol molecule and to its main metabolite, acetaldehyde. Despite these features, the structural changes do not seem to be specific, furthermore, they are not qualitatively different from those found in idiopathic DCM and they do not allow us to differentiate between the two conditions[44]. It also appears that the changes emerging in ACM patients only differ from idiopathic DCM in quantitative terms, with histological changes being more striking in idiopathic DCM than in ACM[44]. Additionally, the accepted ACM definition does not take into account a patient’s sex or body mass index (BMI).
Females constitute roughly 14 % of cases of alcohol induced cardiomyopathy however lifetime exposure required for women to develop alcohol induced cardiomyopathy is less compared to men. Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy is a condition that can have major impacts on your life over time. While many people will recover from this condition if they abstain from alcohol, others will have symptoms and related problems for the rest of their life.
- This is especially true if your genetic condition affects how your body metabolizes alcohol.
- Cobalt was used as a foam stabilizer by certain breweries in Canada and in the USA.
- According to the NIAAA, many people with AUD recover, although setbacks are common among those receiving treatment.
- Continued heavy alcohol use, on the other hand, will continue to make alcoholic cardiomyopathy worse.
- Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy treatment includes a combination of lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment, management of arrhythmia, and supportive care.
If the heart weakens, as it can with heart failure, it begins to enlarge. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. You will receive the first heart failure and transplantation email in your inbox shortly. When seeking answers, people often look to experts for clear and accurate information.
Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Let your healthcare professional know if you have a family history of the condition.
LIMITATIONS OF ACM STUDIES
- Alcoholic cardiomyopathy most commonly affects men aged (+10 years of use).
- This usually involves limiting your sodium (salt) and cholesterol intake and ensuring you are getting a diet that provides all essential nutrients.
- The ‘Quebec beer drinkers’ cardiomyopathy’ was related to cobalt supplementation to beer that was made in the past.
- Heavy, consistent consumption of alcohol makes your body becomes dependent on alcohol over time.
