Drugs and alcohol

  I've been diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy. My EF is already down to 16%.
  At present I'm taking Coreg, Monopril, foremiside, Lasix, Potassium and CQ10 supplement.
  My question is this:
  I've seen in Brochures not to drink alcohol. Common sense YELLLS at me not to do that. However, I am curios about what the consequences are from consuming alcohol. The brochures tell you what not to do, not the why.
  This question also applies to the use of Marijuana. What are the consequences, what are the good points (if any). Again, common sense indicates to keep away from it.
  Like a little kid poking at something with a stick, I'm curious.
  Paul

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Dear Paul,
The alcohol is known to have direct toxic effects on the heart, and in some patients is the sole reason
why their ejection fraction is reduced.  As for someone with and ejection fraction that is reduced for some
other reason, the last thing you want to do is ingest something that is toxic to the last few functioning cells
that you have left.  
The marijuana is of most detriment to the lungs and damage to any organ, especially on a chronic basis, and MOST especially to the
one organ system most related to the heart (the lungs) is asking for trouble.  As for the direct effect on the heart, there is direct toxicity
as well as an increased risk for the development of coronary heart disease.  Of course the effects on the heart are not as well studied as they are on
the lungs (by marijuana). So listen to those common senses in your mind for I have not one good thing to say about either alcohol or marijuana as it relates
to you (or anyone else for that matter.)  Good Luck.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by
your physician(s).