How Do You Recognize Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy?
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by habitual alcohol abuse. Excessive alcohol abuse weakens the heart which then cannot pump blood properly. This in turn affects blood flow to other major organs including the lungs, brain, liver, kidneys and other organs resulting in tissue damage and major organ dysfunction. Be aware of any breathing difficulties. Shortness of breath and breathing problems while lying flat need to be addressed and immediately checked out by your primary care physician. Delivery of oxygen to vital organs is severely hindered when the lungs are compromised. Check yourself for other symptoms of concern, including loss of appetite, swelling of feet and ankles, overall swelling, fatigue, palpitations, rapid pulse, decreased alertness, cough containing mucus or frothy pink type substance, frequency at night (a need to urinate during the night called nocturia) and decreased urine output (oliguria) during the day may be present in a pat
