alcohol and the heart

[Tara]

I recently received a strong lecture from my doctor about binge drinking weakening the heart muscle and leading to heart failure.  I honestly admitted to my doctor that I binge (8 drinks) 2 or 3 times per week in social situations.  Everything I have read says that alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy is a side effect of alcoholism.  So, my question is....how much alcohol in general is it thought to take to cause damage to the heart?  Am I in the same risk category as an alcoholic who drinks daily?

[This forum has gone to hell]

I used to enjoy this forum for the information, insight and general support and positive feedback of the participants.  I shall no longer come here thanks to the recent influx and dominance of negative people who have NOTHING to add and simply subtract from what this forum could have been.  Thanks for nothing to those of you who are too dense to understand this is directed to you.

[wolff]

In response to your question about alcohol and the heart muscle.....My husband was diagnosed with idiopathic dialated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, severe mitral regurgitation, and tricuspid regurgitation..Yes..he drank heavily for many many years....He died at the age of 48, following an open heart surgical procedure known as left ventricular remodeling.  He was placed on a heart transplant list, and this new radical surgical procedure--developed by Dr. Randas J V Batista from Brazil--could some day prove to be an alternative to heart transplantation.......
We were told by leading thoracic surgeons and cardiologists that BEER affects your heart muscle and your bone structure.....HARD LIQUOR affects your liver and pancreas.....my husband drank at least a case of beer per day, for over 20 years.  
I hope this info can be of some help to you.

[Brighty to "This forum has gone to hell"]

Dear Anonymous,

Too bad you didn't sign your name and too bad you didn't mention the names of the people who you have this feeling about... that way you could enter into discussion with them. I have learned alot from all those who leave comments and personal experiences here. I am living with a serious addiction in my family. Most of the folks here are honest, forthright and good people dealing with a tough situation. I am personally grateful that I have a place to share my stuff with them. Some people do respond alot but so far I do not notice that anyone in particular is dominating. My reply is simply to your comment. Best wishes, Brighty

[Brian to Sick and Scared § ALL you guys]

As I suspected, my posting regarding this forum having changed for the worse was not understood as directed to people like YOU.  It is not Dr. Steve (who, for some bizarre and probably psychopathic reason on your part is the focus of your ridiculous attacks) that is causing this forum to decline.  IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU!  Kindly crawl back under whatever rock you came from and leave everyone here in peace.  Your postings have nothing to do with addiction.  Go whine about your poor self not getting enough painkillers somewhere people might care, which sure isn't here.  Go spew your twisted "logic" elsewhere, there are plenty of lunatics on the web you can share your "insight" with.  Wake up, look in the mirror and get yourself some badly needed help.

[Lee1]

John Doe, I feel sorry for you.  Please take stock of why you are so angry and open up your heart and mind for the opinions of others.  If you don't agree, the answer is simple.  Just say to yourself "I don't agree" and at least respect others for their opinions.  If you don't deal with this anger, you are opening up yourself for all kinds of problems.  I urge you to seek counseling.

[Brighty to John Doe]

Your children not primarily jeopardized by the example of addicts. The truth is that the addiction industry is a global network of legal and illegal businesses designed to create addicts for the purpose of $$$$$$. What other product could one market that an otherwise decent human being would kill for ?? It is no accident that our taxpayer dollars are being spent on addiction. It fuels the law enforcement and judicial systems. Your government supports addiction. When you finally get the idea you will realize that addiction is simply human slavery. It built the pyramids and has controlled the masses since the beginning of recorded history. Your children are targets long before you begin talking to them about saying "no". Think about it and ask how you can become part of the solution. Brighty

[barbara to pain and lortab]

As far as I am concerned you are already dead. The curse of nature will follow you until the end of eternity.

You are probably one of those types that go around shooting up schools and blowing up buildings!

What mental disease are you hiding away that makes you so violent sounding? Pedaphile? Serial Killer? Rapist? Murderer? Child abuser?

I am sure you have some social disease.

You are even too chicken to use your own name, what a WIMP!!!!

[Brian to Sick and Scared § ALL you guys]

Go away little boy.  Mom's going to be quite mad if she finds you playing with the computer again.

[Philip1815]

I wiped out John Doe's comment.

Regards to all,
Phil
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