Question Title: Alcohal Cardiomyopathy

My father has been diagnosed with Alchohal cardiomyopathy. He moves slow use to play golf but has a hard time today. (maybee nine holes) His ejection fraction was at 20% when first diagnosed several years ago. He quit drinking for two years but now has resumed wine consumption. He drinks about two glasses of wine a day. I notice some slight deterieration in his condition. His voice is higher he has to sit more often and at times his hand appears to be shaking. He perspires very easily and at times apears too tired to talk. Could this be from his previous condition getting worse or may this be caused from the resumption in alchohal consumption? Is the alcohal consumption directly detrimental to his health?

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Dear Doug,

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear of your father’s condition. Alcohol consumed in large quantities has a direct toxic effect on the heart. This can lead to a cardiomyopathy (decrease in heart pumping ability). Once someone develops this we generally recommend abstinence for the rest of their life. In some cases the cardiomyopathy can improve. If alcohol consumption is continues it can get worse. In addition to the toxic effects on the heart alcohol can destroy the liver causing an increase in estrogen resulting in an elevated pitch of the voice. I would recommend your father quit drinking and follow-up closely with his local doctors. Hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any additional questions.

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

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