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Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Excessive use of alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the heart muscle cells. The heart muscle becomes weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. The lack of blood flow affects all parts of the body, resulting in damage to multiple tissues and organ systems. Alcohol may also directly damage the liver.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy



Review Date: 8/16/2004 12:00:00 AM
Reviewed By: Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke�s Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network and A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team.

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