alcoholic cardiomyopathy

[TML27]

I experienced mild signs of heart failure after an extensive drinking binge (mostly beer) in January 2010.  The worst being four days in a row at the end of the month where I then experienced heavy withdrawal symptoms (possibly minor delerium tremons now that I read more).  For about two weeks after the withdrawal symptoms I experienced irregular heartbeat, occassional palpitations and murmur, and for a few days difficulty breathing when laying down.  I stopped drinking and the symptoms went away; except for occasional loss of circulation in my arms during sleep.  But I think that is because I bend my elbows and cut off bloodflow.  Anyways, everything has been fine since I stopped drinking until the other day when I experienced heart murmurs while at the driving range.  I am pretty sure I used the valsalva manuever to gain extra strength through the swing and during the follow through my heart seemed to skip.  So it happened about four times and about an hour later I had spells of lightheadedness and a seemingly rapid heartbeat that lasted a few days.  I was taking a hawthorn supplement that might have made me feel lightheaded so I discontinued and haven't had any more spells.  

I have been running a mile every morning for the past five days with ease, taking CoQ10, fish oil, zinc, magnesium, and a b-complex.  I know that alcoholic cardiomyopathy can be reversable with abstinence from alcohol but...  I had a resting heartbeat of 59 a day ago but now it is up to around 80.  I feel little strains in the heart when I move suddenly and a slight shortness of breath if I make a quick move after the golf incident.  Basically, besides getting an echocardiogram. WTF mate?  I am 28 years old, a little frightened because I do want to live, but if I am in bad shape I have no one to blame but myself.  Any reccomendations would be much appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Tanner

[TML27]

Thanks for the response.  I am going to get an echocardiogram this week.  I can't put off the dizziness anymore.  The static exercise definitely did something terrible.  I have read everything on the internet about ACM and CHF so I am going crazy and the anxiety could be worsening the symptoms.  It is amazing how alcohol takes a hold of you and spits you out with absolutely nothing. Thanks for the help.

[kenkeith]

Because your symptoms have gone away does not preclude the possibility of heart cell damage.  You should see doctor, and age is not a shield against a heart disorder.