Fact 6. The Connection with Lifestyle: Cardiomyopathy and Alcohol
Alcohol and cardiomyopathy share a complex relationship. Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly over prolonged periods, can have deleterious effects on the heart, potentially leading to a type of dilated cardiomyopathy known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy usually manifests in people who have consumed heavy amounts of alcohol over a period of 5-15 years. In this condition, the heart muscle weakens, leading to enlargement of the heart and eventually, heart failure. Symptoms can range from shortness of breath and fatigue to arrhythmias and edema.
The precise mechanism through which alcohol harms the heart remains under investigation. However, research suggests that alcohol’s toxic effects on the heart muscle cells and its ability to trigger oxidative stress might play significant roles. Additionally, heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure and disrupt the heart’s rhythm, contributing to the development of cardiomyopathy.(6)
