1. Understanding Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
The best way to recognize alcoholic cardiomyopathy is by having a clear understanding of the condition. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle weakens significantly because of excessive alcohol consumption. It is a condition marked by the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood to the various organs in the body. Drinking a lot of alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart muscle cells. With each drink, the heart becomes weaker and weaker. It is most common in men between the ages of 35 and 55, but it can develop in anyone who drinks too much alcohol. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy affects the entire body because it deprives many organs of the amount of blood they need to sustain a good working function.
2. Symptoms of Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is very hard to diagnose because most of the symptoms are unknown and undetectable until the disease has reached the advanced stages. Once it is in the advanced stages, heart failure can occur. However, some of the symptoms that could occur because of alcoholic cardiomyopathy include excessive swelling in the hands, feet, legs and other parts of the body, a loss of appetite, difficulty breathing while lying down, decreased alertness, increased fatigue, cough, irregular pulse and urination problems. Even though these symptoms are common with other conditions, if a doctor knows that the patient is a heavy drinker, then these symptoms are more likely to point to alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
3. Tests to Determine Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Doctors can perform several tests to help recognize alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The doctor may recognize some of the symptoms through a physical exam. However, he can also recognize the condition through an EKG (electrocardiogram), a chest x-ray, a chest CT, a blood test and through a heart catheterization.
4. Be Honest
Your heart's health is nothing to play with. Be honest with your doctor about your drinking habits and your lifestyle. Your doctor will not punish you for these life-altering choices. It will only help the doctor to diagnose your condition more effectively and the doctor may be able to help you with the condition if he knows the truth about your habits. So be honest with your social history. It could save your life.
