cardiac toxicity

  I am told that alcohol is forbidden for cardiomyopathy patients such as myself.  I am wondering if contrast dye given by i.v. during a CAT-scan would cause any heart damage.  Also, I would like to know if any anesthesia given during endoscopy procedures would cause any damage.  I would like to be absolutely sure that I cause no more damage to my heart cells.  Thank you so much.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Kim, thank you for your question.  Cardiomyopathy can be caused by a number of different factors including alcohol, so it's recommended that patients with cardiomyopathy abstain from alcohol.  IV contrast dye and anesthesia used during endoscopy procedures do not damage myocardial cells.  Generally, patients with cardiomyopathy should avoid tobacco and alcohol, limit dietary salt intake, and be careful about taking over the counter medications without consulting their physician first.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.