He compared the prevalence of different polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in 30 ACM patients and in 27 alcoholics with normal ventricular function. Furthermore, 89% of the alcoholics with a DD genotype developed ACM, whereas only 13% of those with an II or ID genotype developed this condition. Alterations caused by heavy alcohol intake have also been studied from the perspective of histopathology. Emmanuel Rubin analysed muscle biopsies from individuals who were previously non-drinkers and were submitted to a balanced diet with heavy alcohol intake during one month41. These changes, though subtle, were similar to those found by Ferrans and Hibbs in eight deceased individuals diagnosed with ACM42,43. On histological examination, various degrees of fibrosis, patchy areas of endocardial fibroelastosis, intramural blood clots and focal collections of swollen cells in both the epicardium and endocardium were found.
Account
Genetics may play a role in determining susceptibility to alcohol-induced Substance abuse heart damage. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable to heart damage, even with lower alcohol consumption. Research is ongoing to understand the genetic factors contributing to alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Diagnosis and Tests
Our telemedicine practice offers convenient, compassionate care to help you manage your condition and live a healthier life. Schedule a virtual consultation today alcoholic cardiomyopathy is especially dangerous because to start your journey toward better heart health. Some studies have suggested that a genetic vulnerability exists to the myocardial effects of alcohol consumption. Individuals with certain mitochondrial DNA mutations and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes (DD genotype) may be particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol. Muscular weakness may also be present because of the effect of alcohol on muscles (alcoholic myopathy).
What are the symptoms?
Furthermore, Fernández-Solá et al30, when analysing a population of alcoholics, found a higher prevalence of DCM in alcoholics than among the general population. Specifically, among alcoholics they found a prevalence of DCM of 0.43% in women and 0.25% in men, whereas the described prevalence of DCM in the general population is 0.03% to 0.05%18,19. At present ACM is considered a specific disease both by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by the American Heart Association (AHA)18,19.
- Regional wall motion abnormalities are not uncommon, but they are usually less prominent than those observed in persons with ischemic heart disease.
- In another study on this topic, Lazarević et al23 divided a cohort of 89 asymptomatic individuals whose consumption exceeded 80 g/d (8 standard units) into 3 groups according to the duration of their alcohol abuse.
- Furthermore, Fernández-Solá et al30, when analysing a population of alcoholics, found a higher prevalence of DCM in alcoholics than among the general population.
- Your provider is the best source of information and guidance, and they can connect you to other resources that can help and experts who can assist.
- Electron microscopy reveals mitochondrial enlargement and disorganization, dilatation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, fat and glycogen deposition, and dilatation of the intercalating discs.
Overall, your healthcare provider is the best source of information and answers when it comes to your recovery. The available research shows that if you limit your alcohol intake to a certain amount, you’re less likely to develop alcohol-related health problems, including alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy. From the data provided in the available ACM studies, it appears that patients who received an ACEI globally showed improved prognosis. In contrast, beta-blockers, similar to aldosterone inhibitors, however beneficial they may be, have thus far not yielded sufficient data on their efficacy in relation to this disease. The first paper to assess the natural history and long-term prognosis of ACM was published by McDonald et al69 in 1971. He recruited 48 patients admitted to hospital with cardiomegaly without a clear aetiology and severe alcoholism.
