SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information - View Single Post - "Under the Influence"

CBrown · 10-02-2007, 05:34 PM

Chapter 6 - The Late Deteriorative Stage of Alcoholism - pages 81 - 94

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a major cause of death in alcoholism. High levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde apparently act directly on the cell membranes in the heart muscle (myocardium), altering their shape and functioning. Various enzymes then leak from the cells, cell mitochondria are damaged, and the cells are slowly infiltrated with fat. The symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) are heart palpitations and labored or difficult breathing. Neural and chemical mechanisms that regulate the heart may be overcome, and death is commonly caused by cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal variations of heart beat). High blood pressure (hypertension) is another common condition among untreated alcoholics and a contributor to heart failure.

Most alcoholic heart problems are reversible, particularly if treated in the early stages. Removing alcohol from the body and protecting the alcoholic through the acute withdrawal stage are the first priorities. If the heart muscle is extensively damaged, bed rest and dietary control may be necessary.

10-02-2007, 05:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
CBrown Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: "Somewhere in Ohio" ... little joke from past Posts: 483	Chapter 6 - The Late Deteriorative Stage of Alcoholism - pages 81 - 94 Heart Failure Heart failure is a major cause of death in alcoholism. High levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde apparently act directly on the cell membranes in the heart muscle (myocardium), altering their shape and functioning. Various enzymes then leak from the cells, cell mitochondria are damaged, and the cells are slowly infiltrated with fat. The symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) are heart palpitations and labored or difficult breathing. Neural and chemical mechanisms that regulate the heart may be overcome, and death is commonly caused by cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal variations of heart beat). High blood pressure (hypertension) is another common condition among untreated alcoholics and a contributor to heart failure. Most alcoholic heart problems are reversible, particularly if treated in the early stages. Removing alcohol from the body and protecting the alcoholic through the acute withdrawal stage are the first priorities. If the heart muscle is extensively damaged, bed rest and dietary control may be necessary. __________________ Claudia somewhere distant, the hurricane still spins he rages and destroys, and believes that he wins but here in my world, the tempest far away i rebuild, rejoice and move forward, in halcyon days