Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Alcohol is the most frequently consumed toxic substance in the world. Low to moderate daily intake of alcohol has been shown to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. In contrast, exposure to high levels of alcohol for a long period could lead to progressive cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Cardiac dysfunction associated with chronic and excessive alcohol intake is a specific cardiac disease known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). In spite of its clinical importance, data on ACM and how alcohol damages the heart are limited. In this review, we evaluate available evidence linking excessive alcohol consumption with heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. Additionally, we discuss the clinical presentation, prognosis and treatment of ACM.

A Case of Ischemic Cerebellar Stroke with Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

“…ACM is responsible for one-third of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies and is the most common etiology of nonischemic cardiomyopathies in Western countries that have high rates of alcohol consumption. Like other diseases caused by alcohol, ACM is more common among young and middle-aged males and mortality rates are higher among males (1,2). Here, we describe a case of acute cerebellar infarction due to ACM, which was diagnosed and treated in our institution.…”

Reversible Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Into the Thaumaturgy of the Heart - Part 2

“…30 In addition, genetic predisposition is likely to play a major role. 25,31 Individual susceptibility to ACM is supported by the fact that only a small subset of alcohol abusers develop the disease. Prevalence of ACM in DCM series range from 23 to 47% making ACM the leading cause of DCM in western countries.…”

“…24,25 In contrast, it is known since late 19 th century that chronic exposure to high levels of alcohol for a long period could lead to progressive cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. 24,25 Excessive alcohol intake is currently recognized as a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and DCM due to alcohol abuse is known as alcohol-related cardiomyopathy (ACM) (Table 1, Figure 1).…”

“…24,25 In contrast, it is known since late 19 th century that chronic exposure to high levels of alcohol for a long period could lead to progressive cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. 24,25 Excessive alcohol intake is currently recognized as a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and DCM due to alcohol abuse is known as alcohol-related cardiomyopathy (ACM) (Table 1, Figure 1). 25,26 The evidence supporting excessive alcohol exposure as a cause of DCM includes several experimental studies, 25 epidemiological studies showing higher prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption in DCM patients than in the general population, 27 and echocardiographic studies in asymptomatic alcohol abusers.…”

“…24,25 Excessive alcohol intake is currently recognized as a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and DCM due to alcohol abuse is known as alcohol-related cardiomyopathy (ACM) (Table 1, Figure 1). 25,26 The evidence supporting excessive alcohol exposure as a cause of DCM includes several experimental studies, 25 epidemiological studies showing higher prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption in DCM patients than in the general population, 27 and echocardiographic studies in asymptomatic alcohol abusers. 28 Based on experimental studies the pathophysiology of ACM includes several processes with a crucial role of apoptosis 29 and excess oxidative stress.…”