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Unrecognized left ventricular dysfunction in an apparently healthy alcohol abuse population
B D Bertolet1, G Freund, C A Martin
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic alcohol abuse significantly impacts heart function, leading to unrecognized left ventricular dysfunction in 18% of patients. Early detection requires advanced methods beyond standard screening for effective intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic alcohol abuse is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Alcoholic cardiomyopathy can lead to significant left ventricular dysfunction.
- Many cases of alcohol-induced heart dysfunction remain undiagnosed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of left ventricular dysfunction in individuals with chronic alcohol abuse.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of standard screening methods in detecting alcohol-related cardiac abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac evaluation of 162 alcohol abusers in rehabilitation, including chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and radionuclide angiography after 2 weeks of abstinence.
- Analysis of left ventricular function, regional wall motion, ejection fraction, and cardiothoracic ratio.
Main Results:
- Left ventricular dysfunction was identified in 18% (29/162) of subjects.
- Most patients (25/29) had no prior history suggestive of heart disease.
- Standard screening methods (ECG, chest X-ray) failed to identify 85% of subjects with dysfunction, while radionuclide angiography was effective.
Conclusions:
- Chronic alcohol abuse poses a high risk for developing unrecognized left ventricular dysfunction.
- Radionuclide angiography is crucial for detecting alcohol-induced cardiac dysfunction, as traditional methods are often insufficient.
- Screening for cardiac abnormalities in chronic alcohol abusers is essential for early diagnosis and management.