February is Heart Health Month, a time to spotlight the importance of cardiovascular well-being and the factors that can compromise it. Alcohol consumption – especially long-term, heavy drinking – can damage your body’s organs, especially your heart.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is an often-overlooked consequence of chronic alcohol abuse. This severe condition can lead to heart failure and increase your risk of a heart attack. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we understand the complexities of alcohol dependency and offer treatment for people looking to improve their health by overcoming addiction.
What Is Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy?
Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can change the heart’s shape and function. The heart muscle becomes weakened and dilated, unable to pump blood efficiently. This inefficiency can cause a backlog of blood in the heart, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, swollen legs and feet, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, these changes can cause severe damage, culminating in heart failure or increasing the risk of a heart attack.
The relationship between alcohol and heart health is complex. Besides alcoholic cardiomyopathy, long-term, heavy drinking can have several adverse effects on your heart.
- Increasing blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Fatty deposits in the heart muscle
Prevention and Recovery
The best way to prevent alcoholic cardiomyopathy is to stop drinking. However, you might find this challenging if you are physically dependent on alcohol. Trying to quit may result in powerful cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, sweating, and seizures.
A worsening alcohol addiction will affect every aspect of your well-being – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Recognizing your need to ask for help is critical for preventing the cardiovascular damage associated with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
How Lakeside-Milam Can Help
At Lakeside-Milam, we have helped more than 100,000 people overcome addiction and reclaim their health. You can benefit from our comprehensive approach to recovery.
- Medical detoxification: Health professionals will safely manage your withdrawal symptoms and monitor your condition, stabilizing you to move into your next phase of treatment.
- Individualized treatment plans: We will tailor your recovery program to meet your needs and health concerns, including addressing the risk factors for alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
- Behavioral therapy: A therapist will help you confront trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sober life.
- Supportive community: Inpatient rehab provides a structured, judgment-free environment where you can share your experiences, gain encouragement, and start finding your sober supporters. We ask our clients to participate in the recovery community as they seek continued sobriety.
Prevent Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy With Qualified Addiction Recovery
In honor of Heart Health Month, we encourage anyone struggling with alcohol dependency to consider the long-term impact on their heart and other organs. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a preventable condition, and the sooner you stop drinking, the better you will feel. At Lakeside-Milam, we are here to support you in your commitment to get sober and build a brighter future. Our team is available 24/7 when you’re ready to speak with someone who understands.
