I have Cardiomyopathy heart issue- caused by alcohol.

[jack71]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with dilated Cardiomyopathy by a fine cardiologist in the city where I live. I was frequently waking up in the night and had fast palpitations. He gave me a beta blocker back then and told me to quit alcohol etc. I forgot to take it at the following subsequent times that it happened. 

 

Fast forward to this week. I had a 3 day pass away from the family and hit the grog a bit for 3 nights in a row. At 2am I suddenly woke up very worried. Pounding fast irregular palpitations. I sat up in the bed and went to the toilet. After a while everything was normal. I was very afraid at the time something bad was going to happen. 

 

I woke up and went to the heart dept of a hospital. An echo showed I had 45% heart function. As soon as he started the echo he said he noticed I had abnormal palpitations. 

 

I told him 2 to 3 yrs ago I had the CTA exam on the heart and normal results- no blockages etc. So he said I had heart muscle disease and essentially the goal is to get the heart function back up to normal levels 60% and find out what type of Arrhythmia problem I actually have. 

 

He put me on 25mg of Entresto which he says he hopes will raise my heart function. He says I might have to take them for a long time. 

 

I had alcohol issues in my 30s and 40's living the fast life in banking and it seems to have caught up with me. Also have family history of heart disease. 

 

If any other members have this same issue could you please comment on this? I know that its alcohol that triggers my issues as its happend severatl times in the past. It sucks if I cant drink again...  

 

I was later interested to read some of the typical symptoms which I relate to. In particular sleep being affected due to waking up

 

cheers

 

 

[Lacessit]

You've been given a wake-up call. No alcohol under any circumstances. 50% of patients with cardiomyopathy die within five years.

In Thailand, more than my home country, I have found I am responsible for the state of my health. There as a limit to what doctors and pharmaceuticals can do.

You may want to examine your diet and exercise situation to determine if there are things there that will help.

I don't have cardiomyopathy. I have several other conditions I won't bore readers with. I have found when it comes to controlling those conditions, self-discipline is a lot better than medication, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[robblok]

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

You've been given a wake-up call. No alcohol under any circumstances. 50% of patients with cardiomyopathy die within five years.

In Thailand, more than my home country, I have found I am responsible for the state of my health. There as a limit to what doctors and pharmaceuticals can do.

You may want to examine your diet and exercise situation to determine if there are things there that will help.

I don't have cardiomyopathy. I have several other conditions I won't bore readers with. I have found when it comes to controlling those conditions, self-discipline is a lot better than medication, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Good remark, usually lifestyle changes help a lot. Too bad that it often takes these kind of events to wake up people instead of doing exercise and a better diet before things like this happen. 

 

[ezzra]

Not sure where the op is currently but i would have preferred to be living in a western country and receive the proper care there than to be in Thailand relying on the local doctors and hospitals...

[Swiss1960]

1 hour ago, jack71 said:

I know that its alcohol that triggers my issues as its happend severatl times in the past. It sucks if I cant drink again...  

Well, you had your warning shot... it will suck even more, if it kills you

[RJRS1301]

22 minutes ago, Swiss1960 said:

Well, you had your warning shot... it will suck even more, if it kills you

Nah usually death with cardiomyopathy happens pretty fast, so no use doing CPR on em.

Had the warnings went on a bender, did not take medication, not the smartest move really. Hope he has his affairs in order

 

[HarrySeaman]

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

Not sure where the op is currently but i would have preferred to be living in a western country and receive the proper care there than to be in Thailand relying on the local doctors and hospitals...

Let me be the first to say that you CAN receive proper care here in Thailand.  I know this from personal experience.  If fact, I prefer it over the care (and expense) I would get in my country of origin, the USA.

 

My cardiomyopathy was first detected on Boxing Day 2010 when I wound up in the Sukhumvit Hospital in BKK with breathing difficulties.  The breathing difficulty was cause by Pulmonary edema, which was caused by the cardiomyopathy.  Two days later, after high doses of IV furosemide (a diuretic), I had <deleted> away 3 kg, was breathing easily, and was released from the hospital with medications that included furosemide tablets.

Since moving to Pattaya I have been treated by Dr. (Captain) Sarawooth Pholsane at the Queen Sirikit Hospital in Sattahip.  Since my cardiomyopathy got somewhat worse a few years ago so he prescribed a larger dose of furosemide and added a couple of additional medications.  I will add that I was a bit too heavy and since 2019 I have dropped my weight from 87.5 kg to 66.2 kg by simply eating less, which has made me feel a lot better.  I am now below the "target" weight for my height and plan on staying there.

 

One of my sons is a medical doctor in Canada and I have used him as a consultant.  In his opinion I am receiving the exact same medications and lifestyle advice that he would have proscribed for me if I was his patient.

 

I won't name all my medications since each patient should be prescribed medications specific to their medical condition. 

 

My cardiomyopathy is of unknown origin but with proper medication it is something that I have successfully lived with for over 11 years.  The major problem I have is limited stamina.  Walking up hill or up more than one story of stairs means stopping to take a rest, walking on a flat surface isn't a big problem if I proceed at my own pace, and I can do everything else in my normal routine - cooking, cleaning, etc.  Not bad for an old fart that is 79 years old.

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, RJRS1301 said:

Nah usually death with cardiomyopathy happens pretty fast, so no use doing CPR on em.

Had the warnings went on a bender, did not take medication, not the smartest move really. Hope he has his affairs in order

 

It's a good point, as well as following up healthwise, ensure will is done and financial affairs and family are taken care of

[Sheryl]

You need to take th4 enresto regulalry, without fail, and indefinitley.

 

You also likely need additional medications such as beta blockers, anti-hypertensives and anti-lipid agents but the last two depend on what your blood pressure and blood lipid profiles are like.

 

There is no getting around the need for regular medical follow up with a cardiologist and need to take prescribed medications without fail.

 

Further heavy drinking is definitely contraindicated.

 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21994-alcoholic-cardiomyopathy

 

 

[ezzra]

Now in Australia news the're warning people against AF,  arterial fibrillation, that will increase the chance for dementia by 50%, this AF and that AF is a silence one, you can had an episode and not even realised you had one and the're are talking of 500,000 people at risk of this thing... Scary stuff...

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, jack71 said:

Fast forward to this week. I had a 3 day pass away from the family and hit the grog a bit for 3 nights in a row. At 2am I suddenly woke up very worried. Pounding fast irregular palpitations. I sat up in the bed and went to the toilet. After a while everything was normal. I was very afraid at the time something bad was going to happen. 

You must have a death wish?

[swm59nj]

I do not have this disease.  But  Sheryl is very knowledgeable when it comes to medical issues. 
You also say it sucks if you can’t drink again.  You have to because of your medical condition. Is drinking that important to you?  And are you able to   stop drinking  permanently for medical reasons ?  If not than that is a separate issue you need to deal with.  Because the medicine can only do so much

And with the medicine you need to take and your medical condition.  You shouldn’t be drinking booze to begin with. 

 

 

 

[jack71]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

You need to take th4 enresto regulalry, without fail, and indefinitley.

 

You also likely need additional medications such as beta blockers, anti-hypertensives and anti-lipid agents but the last two depend on what your blood pressure and blood lipid profiles are like.

 

There is no getting around the need for regular medical follow up with a cardiologist and need to take prescribed medications without fail.

 

Further heavy drinking is definitely contraindicated.

 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21994-alcoholic-cardiomyopathy

 

 

You're correct. Dr said I might have to take it forever. I was shocked by this actually. 

 

He said keep an eye on the BP. If my Systolic is ever less than 100 skip the dose of the pill (at that time) but always take it twice a day if its greater than 100. 

 

I had no idea in my 20's, 30's and some of the 40s that I was damaging my heart so much. I remember in my late 30's playing an intense game of netball. I suddenly felt on the verge of having a major heart problem. Never felt so bad. I speculate now that this heart issue has been manifesting itself for a long time...

 

Also he said that bc my heart function is so low that I should not do any hard core exercise eg. run for 5km, fast cycling, sports etc- because I could have sudden heart failure and die. 

 

Anyways, its good to have found an excellent/ skilled dr and be given a chance to turn this around. 

[jack71]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

Now in Australia news the're warning people against AF,  arterial fibrillation, that will increase the chance for dementia by 50%, this AF and that AF is a silence one, you can had an episode and not even realised you had one and the're are talking of 500,000 people at risk of this thing... Scary stuff...

I just looked at AF on google and it seems quite similar to my issues actually. 

 

Quoting from Sheryls link:

''

Drinking a large quantity of alcohol in a short period can also have toxic effects on your heart muscle. This can cause a disruption in your heart rhythm called “fibrillation.” This is when the chambers of your heart try to beat so quickly that they only twitch or quiver. When chambers of your heart do this, they don’t pump effectively. This happens in one of two ways:

• Atrial fibrillation. The upper chambers of your heart are the left atrium and right atrium (the plural term is “atria”). When they fibrillate, not all the blood inside them gets pumped to the next chamber of your heart. When blood pools in those chambers, a clot can form. If that clot leaves your heart and travels to your brain, it can get stuck there and cause a stroke.''

 

I had a 3 night in row drinking and wonder if what is described above happened to me at 2am in the morning. It scared the <deleted> out of me being woken up to this. No more alcohol for me that is for sure!!!!

 

Im interested to take the medication for a while and see if things improve including my cognitive problems that have been in slow decline for at least 5 yrs.  

[moogradod]

After having survived several usually deadly medical threats, a few months before moving to Thailand I received diagnosis of cardiomyophaty. Extensive investigation of my heart could not reveal a clear cause. So it was assumed to be the consequence of higher alcohol consumption several years ago.

 

I am now on an EF=27, so fellow members with 40, rejoice. I am taking the maximum medication (but no Entresto, which would take about 1 year to become fully effective if at all and is very expensive compared to the older alternatives - this is from my discussion with my cardiologist at BHP).

 

But I have no problem to stop drinking alcohol even although I was (am) a wine lover and former hobby bar mixer. This is because my body tells me by itself not to drink (My body says: "I don't like it"). This to encourage others that stopping or massively reducing without a large loss of quality of life is really possible. It will be a natural consequence without having to force yourself too much. And at rare occasions - maybe once a month - a small glass of wine would not change (at least my) overall situation too much (for me that is only - would not change much of my individual prognosis I think). Please understand that I am not encouraging drinking anybody with cardiomyophaty at all. Far from it.

 

I wish you all the best.

 

 

[sawadee1947]

Actually you'll have the choice to stay sober forever........or die earlier.

Since you're an alcohol addict you need psychological help as well.

However it works only of you agree and ask for help.????

[jack71]

15 minutes ago, moogradod said:

I am now on an EF=27, so fellow members with 40, rejoice

Wow. That is really low. I'm sure you have already been told this by your dr but doing any strenuous hard core exercise for you could be fatal. 

 

Do you mind if I ask what meds you are on?

[jack71]

6 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

Actually you'll have the choice to stay sober forever........or die earlier.

Since you're an alcohol addict you need psychological help as well.

However it works only of you agree and ask for help.????

Im not addicted to alcohol at all. Just bc I went out and had some fun for 3 nights doesnt mean Im addicted. I will have no problem not having any more alcohol at all. I do not have an addictive personality now. 

[sawadee1947]

4 minutes ago, jack71 said:

Im not addicted to alcohol at all. Just bc I went out and had some fun for 3 nights doesnt mean Im addicted. I will have no problem not having any more alcohol at all. I do not have an addictive personality now. 

Sorry, but this is the Standard answer of all alcoholics and shows your problem.

[Grusa]

I am sorry if this seems cynical, OP, but you have made yourself a cash cow for the medical profession and big pharma: their best interests are that you stay alive but sick for as long as possible, while they bleed your wallet dry...or until it is empty.

You are not alone in this. 

 

No one these days is prepared to manage their own "disease", it is the perception that the doctors have a pill for everything, including your own mental weaknesses, and is their responsibility - not yours.

 

If you have a problem caused by alcohol consumption - stop drinking! If you are obese: stop eating rubbish, and too much. If you have type2 diabetes: it is 100% curable by altering your lifestyle. All it takes is self-discipline. No doctors or drugs involved.

 

You have a choice: live, or die. Which you do, how much you suffer in the process, etc., is entirely up to you. The doctors will only do that which they are programmed to do.

 

Good luck with your choices.

[moogradod]

28 minutes ago, jack71 said:

Wow. That is really low. I'm sure you have already been told this by your dr but doing any strenuous hard core exercise for you could be fatal. 

 

Do you mind if I ask what meds you are on?

It is low - and decreasing. My doctor says that he has seen EF=15 alive. Well, alive does not mean really living.

It was recommended to exercise (something like walking slowly or walking in the pool), but even normal walking over short distances takes a lot of effort. I use a wheelchair many times and I have perfect support from my wife. The worst effect (sometimes) is shortening of breath if laying down (especially on the right side). Without needing to walk etc. I actually feel quite fine.

 

Here is my medicamentation:

1. Concor 5mg (1/0/1)

2. Aldactone 25mg (1/0/0)

3. Tritace (Ramipril) 5mg (1/0/1)

4. Furetic 40mg (1/0/1)

5. Dichlortide 50mg only together with Furetic and if necessary (water accumulation) (1/0/0.5) - "off-shelf" use

6. Glucono 500mg (Metformin) 2/0/2)

7. Jardiance 25mg because of the Dapaglifozin content, Metformin would be much more expensive) (0.5/0/0)

 

Correction: The Glucono and Jardiance is for diabetes - off topic here.

[Sheryl]

46 minutes ago, jack71 said:

 

Im interested to take the medication for a while and see if things improve including my cognitive problems that have been in slow decline for at least 5 yrs.  

 

There are specific types of cognitive decline caused by excessive alcohol intake.

 

Often improves significantly with administration of vitamin B1 and magnesium,. both of which tend to be deficient in alcohol abuse.

[impulse]

29 minutes ago, jack71 said:

Im not addicted to alcohol at all. Just bc I went out and had some fun for 3 nights doesnt mean Im addicted. I will have no problem not having any more alcohol at all. I do not have an addictive personality now. 

If drinking is causing problems in your life, you have a drinking problem.  

 

If you want to stop (and be happy about stopping), there's a seat for you.  It's free...

 

https://www.aathailand.org/

 

[The Theory]

14 hours ago, jack71 said:

I was frequently waking up in the night and had fast palpitations.

You drink alcohol (probably a heavy drinker), but do you drink water as much ?

Lack of water (basically dehydration that is not noticeable since you drink alcohol. and only pure water(not soda or other liquids) could cause various problems. 
drink more water daily. 

[robblok]

14 hours ago, impulse said:

If drinking is causing problems in your life, you have a drinking problem.  

 

If you want to stop (and be happy about stopping), there's a seat for you.  It's free...

 

https://www.aathailand.org/

 

Of course he has a problem. I wonder if there are organizations that unlike the AA dont dwell to much on religion. I don't have a drinking problem but what i hear about AA it has a lot to do with religion. 

[Sheryl]

On 4/8/2022 at 10:22 AM, robblok said:

Of course he has a problem. I wonder if there are organizations that unlike the AA dont dwell to much on religion. I don't have a drinking problem but what i hear about AA it has a lot to do with religion. 

This is something of a misunderstanding.

 

The AA program -- which works well for many, many people including die hard atheists -- does involve accepting the help of a "higher power" but that higher power can be anything other than yourself. It can be nature, it can even be the AA group. It can be "the Force" a la Star Wars. Doesn't matter (and you don't need to have an intellectual belief about it). But you do need to be able to accept the possibility of a force greater than yourself and be open to its help. (After all, if you have ended up needing AA, odds are that your own self will was unable to solve the problem).

 

There is no sectarian religion involved and it is not necessary to believe in a Supreme being.

[impulse]

9 hours ago, robblok said:

Of course he has a problem. I wonder if there are organizations that unlike the AA dont dwell to much on religion. I don't have a drinking problem but what i hear about AA it has a lot to do with religion. 

AA is chock full of atheists and agnostics.  Many of whom are very successful.

[robblok]

12 hours ago, impulse said:

AA is chock full of atheists and agnostics.  Many of whom are very successful.

Ok sorry the whole higher power thingy puts me off. But I don't need this and like i said if it works for someone then great. I mean does not really matter what I think as long as it helps people.

[RichardColeman]

Mute point maybe, but I had similar thing with heart going nuts. Went to doctor, turned out to be too just much caffeine. If a chosen tipple was red bull and vodka, might explain some issues !