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Can A Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient Have A Few Glasses Of Wine?
I've got dilated cardiomyopathy probably thru too much alcohol. I'm not an alcoholic nor alcohol dependant and haven't touched a drop in 5 months. How dangerous would it be to have a couple of glasses of wine at an upcoming family function? Would be back to absention straight after function
Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Hello. Welcome to HCM and thank you for your question. I understand your concern.
Well, I would recommend you not to drink any amount of alcohol, no matter what is the case. The heart takes up to 15-20 years of regular, moderate amounts of alcohol intake to enlarge (dilate). The positive thing is that there is a great chance of the heart assuming its regular chamber size, after discontinuing alcohol. If this does happen, it is only then when it would not matter if you have a drink or two in a family convention. But, if you are in a state where the heart is still enlarged and, with enlargement, the function is reduced, then any substance or activity that increases the heart workload can also result in heart failure decompensation, which, in turn, may produce some very serious, acute, life-threatening syndromes or conditions. To sum up, there is a great chance that after discontinuing the alcohol, the heart will return to its normal size, but until then, the dropped function that resulted from the heart enlargement, is not a safe scenario for drinking alcohol. Of course, I am doctor, I only give recommendations to what is the best choice. The ultimate choice is always up to you.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Well, I would recommend you not to drink any amount of alcohol, no matter what is the case. The heart takes up to 15-20 years of regular, moderate amounts of alcohol intake to enlarge (dilate). The positive thing is that there is a great chance of the heart assuming its regular chamber size, after discontinuing alcohol. If this does happen, it is only then when it would not matter if you have a drink or two in a family convention. But, if you are in a state where the heart is still enlarged and, with enlargement, the function is reduced, then any substance or activity that increases the heart workload can also result in heart failure decompensation, which, in turn, may produce some very serious, acute, life-threatening syndromes or conditions. To sum up, there is a great chance that after discontinuing the alcohol, the heart will return to its normal size, but until then, the dropped function that resulted from the heart enlargement, is not a safe scenario for drinking alcohol. Of course, I am doctor, I only give recommendations to what is the best choice. The ultimate choice is always up to you.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
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