Can even a moderate level of alcohol intake cause cardiomyopathy?

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Question:

Can even a moderate level of alcohol intake cause cardiomyopathy?

I am a 34 year-old female that is otherwise healthy (below average weight, ok diet, non-smoker, active lifestyle). I have been recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, my LV ejection fraction is 35-40%. Can moderately drinking alcohol be the cause? What would my life expectancy be with this diagnosis?

submitted by Tammy, from Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, 1/16/09

Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Reynolds M. Delgado, MD

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In some individuals even moderate alcohol consumption can cause cardiomyopathy. The good news is that stopping alcohol along with medicines to improve heart function can usually improve heart function if alcohol is the cause.

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Updated January 2009

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