Overview

Cardiovascular-related problems and diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality around the globe. The challenges that come with this have put a lot of strain on the healthcare system: In order to find the proper treatment, early detection, as well as education, are pivotal. The importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a limited alcohol and drug intake, as well as reducing smoking, is very crucial. Excessive consumption of saturated fats and air pollution can also cause damage to the heart. 

Alcohol and heart enlargement

It is found that alcohol can lead to cardiomyopathy, which is heart enlargement. The amount of drinking depends on age, with younger people having more capacity to receive more effective treatments, whereas people of old age become vulnerable to certain types of treatments. A dilated heart, known as heart enlargement, can be the result of heavy alcohol consumption. Heart enlargement causes the heart muscles to lose their ability to pump blood correctly and efficiently around the body, which eventually leads to irregularity in heartbeat, known as arrhythmia.² Although drinking alcohol and heart conditions are equally related to age, heart enlargement is found more among younger people. Individuals with comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure and vascular diseases are more likely to develop heart enlargement, with drinking affecting these conditions too.  As time passes, the heart becomes too weak to pump blood, eventually leading to a reduction of oxygen supply around the body.³ The condition is quite rare,  as only 1-2% of individuals who consume heavy alcohol are found with the disease. 

When an individual has cardiomyopathy, the muscles of the lower chambers of the heart, known as ventricles, are overstretched due to the increased pressure of pumping blood. Since these chambers are most important for pumping blood, the weakened muscles in these chambers lead to overall negative effects on the body.² This condition can also lead to a change of heart shape, which also leads to improper beating of the heart, arrhythmia, and eventually improper supply or pumping of blood in the body. Alcohol causes the formation of scar tissue, which is responsible for the irregular rhythms of the heart. 

The diagnosis of this heart problem is based on a diagnostic test, with lifestyle and alcohol consumption being taken into account. In some cases, changing the lifestyle and regular exercising, as well as limiting or quitting the use of alcohol and cigarettes, can help harness control and prevent the condition from getting worse. Another preventative measure can be a heart transplant or a surgery to put in a heart monitor, known as an ICD. Although this treatment can be costly. There are sometimes a few minor symptoms of the disease, but usually they are not very visible symptoms; sometimes, heart failure is the outcome.⁴ 

Summary  

It is important to follow a low-salt diet, as diuretics are important to reduce excess water and reduce alcohol intake. Although limiting the use of alcohol has immediate effects, it can help long term. The consumption of alcohol can eventually lead to hypertension, heart structure modification, and heart muscle damage. However, the amount of alcohol at which cardiomyopathy begins is still not known.¹ It is important to do more research and analysis to find out the exact amount of alcohol consumption that could lead to heart enlargement. This will help healthcare professionals find more effective and innovative methods to treat and reduce heart problems. More awareness among youth and young people can help to educate the public about the disadvantages of alcohol consumption and its effect on the heart and overall health.