European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Alcohol is most commonly abused drug worldwide. Alcohol use has also been shown
to have numerous effects on the cardiovascular system other than heart failure.It has
been associated with arrhythmia(eg.atrial fibrillation ,ectopics),hypertension and
sudden death [1] .
METHODS:
This is a hospital based cross-sectional study carried out in 100 chronic alcoholics
admiited at Dr.PSIMS&RF, Chinnoutapalli ,tertiary care, teaching hospital in South India for a period of 2 years.Their cardiovascular function is evaluated by
Electrocardiogram and Echocardiogram.
RESULTS:
Out of 100 patients, In the study group 94% were males and 6% were
females.Maximum incidence of Alcoholics was seen between 3 rd to 6 th Decade of
life.Mean age was 43.1 ±11.9 years .
Most common abnormality observed was sinus tachycardia(10%) followed by
Qt prolongation (7%),LVH and AF(5%),VPC(4%),NSC and RBBB(3%),APC(2%).
Most common echo abnormality was Increased LAD size(14%),increased
RVSP (12%),Increased thickness in IVS and Posterior wall(11%),EDD,EDS,EF,FS
abnormality was observed in 10% patients. Other findings like MR,TR,PAH seen in
1%,TR,PAH in 5%,MR IN 4 % population,remaining 90 % are normal. In Echo final
impression of LVH Seen in 11% and DCM was seen in 10%Population. Prevalance of
cardiovascular abnormalities In patients with chronic alcoholism was ECG 39 %
ECH0 21%
CONCLUSIONS: Early screening by means of ECHO and ECG can be useful in
preventing the progression to irreversible changes.Alcohol de-addiction and
counseling should be encouraged