Question Title: Alcohol

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Dear Jillian,

As with any advice doctors give we try to weigh the risks and the benefits of things. If the benefits outweigh the risks then we recommend to proceed. If the risks outweigh the benefits then we recommend not to proceed and if they are equivocal then patient preference comes into play.

For this particular situation the question is occasional alcohol consumption. We know that alcohol in large amounts can do significant damage to the heart. In moderate amounts in persons with normal hearts there is no known cardiac damage. The effects of moderate amounts of alcohol on persons who already have cardiomyopathy is not well known. However, in someone who already has a significant cardiomyopathy any decrease in heart function would be detrimental and could lead to hospitalization or worse. Therefore the risk of alcohol consumption is high.

The benefits of moderate alcohol consumption in a social situation will depend greatly upon the individual and how important this ritual is to them. For most people it is not that important and thus the benefits are low. Therefore, my recommendation would be to avoid all alcohol.

Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.