Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the chronic long-term abuse of alcohol (i.e., ethanol) leads to heart failure. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy. Due to the direct toxic effects of alcohol on heart muscle, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to heart failure. It can affect other parts of the body if the heart failure is severe. It is most common in males between the ages of 35 and 50. Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms presented by the occurrence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are the result of the heart failing and usually occur after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Therefore, the symptoms have a lot in common with other forms of cardiomyopathy. These symptoms can include the following:
Ankle, feet, and leg swelling (edema)
Overall swelling
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially with activity
Breathing difficulty while lying down
Fatigue, weakness, faintness
Decreased alertness or concentration
Cough containing mucus, or pink, frothy material
Decreased urine output (oliguria)
Need to urinate at night (nocturia)
Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat)
Rapid pulse (tachycardia)

Diagnosis
Abnormal heart sounds, murmurs, ECG abnormalities, and enlarged heart on chest x-ray may lead to the diagnosis. Echocardiogram abnormalities and cardiac catheterization or angiogram to rule out coronary artery blockages, along with a history of alcohol abuse can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment
Treatment for alcoholic cardiomyopathy involves lifestyle changes, including complete abstinence from alcohol use, a low sodium diet,  and fluid restriction, as well as medications.
Atrichia with papular lesions (a.k.a. "Papular atrichia") is a diffuse hair loss caused by an abnormality of the human homologue of the mouse hairless gene. : 635 : 762 It is associated with HR. See also
Cicatricial alopecia
List of cutaneous conditions

References


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