Since the early nineties, recognition of mitochondria’s role in apoptosis and cell fate has brought about a strong resurgence of interest in mitochondrial biology 67,68. More recently, the role of autophagy as a potential alternative to apoptosis has provided further insight into the management of mitochondria. Although secondary to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria also serves as a calcium reservoir; another regulatory step of myosin activity and myocardial contractility. Given the heart’s almost complete dependence upon aerobic metabolism maintaining mitochondrial function is critical to the well being of alcohol cardiomyopathy the heart. Although a small number relative to the more than 1000 proteins localized to the mitochondria, they are critical in the formation and stability of the five complexes that perform oxidative phosphorylation 69. One relevant question concerning ethanol cardiac toxicity is if ethanol itself or its active metabolite acetaldehyde causes cardiac damage 73,74.
Table 1. List of literature articles reviewed in this study.
- Regarding ICD and CRT implantation, the same criteria as in DCM are used in ACM, although it is known that excessive alcohol intake is specifically linked to ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death71.
- As a reflection of this metabolic derangement, cytoplasmic lipid droplets and glycogen deposits appear.
- The process by which alcohol leads to an enlarged heart involves multiple mechanisms, each contributing to the deterioration of cardiac structure and function.
- Since ACM is related to frequent perioperative events and high postoperative morbidity 139, detection and treatment of ACM is compulsory to avoid anesthetic and surgical complications 140.
Your provider can help make a treatment plan, prescribe medicines, and if needed, give you treatment referrals. Below are the ICD-9 codes that most closely match this ICD-10 code, based on the General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs). This ICD-10 to ICD-9 crosswalk tool is helpful for coders who need to reference legacy diagnosis codes for audits, historical claims, or approximate code comparisons. Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) are used to classify hospital cases for billing and healthcare management. They help standardize how hospitals and other providers are reimbursed for inpatient care. Patients are grouped based on their principal diagnosis into broader categories called Major Diagnostic Categories (MDCs).
- This article delves into the strategies and treatments that can help reverse alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
- Other health problems you have can also affect your case, especially if those problems have any connection with alcohol use.
- Histologically, light microscopy reveals interstitial fibrosis (a finding that has been shown to be prevented by zinc supplementation in the mouse model), myocyte necrosis with hypertrophy of other myocytes, and evidence of inflammation.
- When it can’t pump out enough blood, the heart starts to expand to hold the extra blood.
- Patients usually experience relief from swelling and shortness of breath within days of starting diuretics, though ongoing monitoring is needed to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia (Poor Blood Supply to the Intestines Due to Blockages of the Arteries)

Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy treatment includes a combination of lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment, management of arrhythmia, and supportive care. However, even reducing your drinking to light or moderate levels is better than continuing to drink heavily. Your outlook may also improve depending on other treatments you receive, such as medication or surgery. Alcohol-related cardiomyopathy is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy, which is when your heart’s shape changes because its muscles are stretching too much. The effect is much like how a rubber band or spring weakens when stretched too much. Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy can affect anyone who consumes too much alcohol, even those who don’t have alcohol use disorder.
Treatment of ACM

Medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgical interventions can help slow the disease’s progression and improve quality of life. Genetics may play a role in determining susceptibility to alcohol-induced heart https://ecosoberhouse.com/ 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. In many — if not most — cases, abstaining from alcohol can be enough to help people recover from alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy.
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That’s because vitamin and mineral deficiencies are more common in individuals who are chronic heavy drinkers. Treatment for this condition starts with helping you reduce your alcohol intake or stop drinking entirely. That also may involve supportive care that will help prevent — or at least reduce the impact of — any alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Supportive care for withdrawal is especially important because some of its symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening. A alcoholism symptoms healthcare provider can also connect you with available resources and refer you to other specialists and experts who can help you reduce or stop your alcohol intake.