How Does Alcohol Cause an Enlarged Heart? Understanding Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy and Its Impact on Heart Health

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy weakens the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion, making it difficult to breathe, especially during physical activity or when lying down. As the heart’s function declines, patients may also experience shortness of breath at rest. According to the...