Morgan Baumann's Blog: Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: Don’t Wait For It To Happen

Health complications arise if we drink alcohol excessively. It can lead to liver problems and in the worst-case scenario; the habit can bring highly destructive impacts on the heart.

One of the many health problems in excessive drinking is alcoholic cardiomyopathy. An individual may inherit the disease. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy oftentimes progresses to its advanced stage even before the symptoms start to become noticeable. While an individual may get the disease even if he or she is not alcoholic at all, avoiding alcohol abuse is one of the most effective ways of preventing this heart problem.

The Function of the Heart

For anyone to survive, it is vital to have a functioning heart. The heart pumps to make the blood flow and reach every single part of the body. Blood must be distributed throughout the body by means of a network of tubes that can be stretched into 60,000 miles if it is laid end to end.

Also, the organ consists of four chambers necessary to pump blood and each chamber has its own role in the circulatory system. Its size can be compared to a human fist weighing approximately 7-15 ounces. If the pathway of the blood is constricted or blocked, the whole body is definitely in great danger.

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: The Cause

If you drink too much, alcoholic cardiomyopathy may develop because alcohol is considered a toxin. By having a large dose of this toxin, damages to the body organs are imminent. One of the most noticeable signs that can be encountered is the enlargement of the heart. Eventually, its muscle will begin to get thin. If the case of alcoholic cardiomyopathy gets worse, it will lead to lethal arrhythmias or congestive heart failure.

Symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy can be asymptomatic. It only means that the symptoms cannot be seen easily until it has already progressed to the end stage, which is heart failure. However, if the symptoms are manifested prominently, it is highly advised that a physician should be seen immediately. The set of symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath
Swollen legs, feet, and ankles
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Dizziness or fainting
Weakness
Rapid, irregular pulse
A cough with pink mucus
Change in urine output

How to Deal with Alcohol Addiction?

Most individuals who are experiencing alcoholic cardiomyopathy are physically and mentally dependent on alcohol. While it is a big struggle for these individuals to deal with alcohol addiction, their failure to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages can lead to death. Hence, the support of others is extremely necessary to help them go through their alcohol addiction Therapy. There are several available treatment options, which include the following:

Rehabilitation: It will provide the individuals an avenue to stay sober and safely escape their addiction to alcohol.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Other Recovery Fellowships: They can provide a program to the individual that can be used to establish a strong sobriety foundation.
Addiction Therapist: The professional can help the individual deal with personal issues and aid in the appropriate path for recovery.

Alcohol addiction must end right away to lessen the possibility of developing serious complications such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. If not treated immediately, it can put an alcoholic’s life in great danger.