The goal of treatment is management of heart failure. Hospitalization may be required until acute symptoms subside. The most important aspect of therapy is for the patient to stop drinking alchohol, which leads to an improvement in heart function. Continued alcohol consumption, on the other hand, will continue to worsen heart function.

Treatment for heart failure may include medications to improve heart function, such as diuretics (e.g., furosemide) to remove excessive fluid from the body, and ACE inhibitiors and beta blockers, which have been shown to save lives in heart failure patients.

A low-salt diet may be recommended in some cases. Drinking fluids may be restricted. A heart transplant may be considered. Associated nutritional deficiencies (e.g., thiamin deficiency) and abnormalities in phosphorus, potassium or magnesium levels may require treatment.

• congestive heart failure
• cardiac arrhythmias, including lethal arrhythmias

Call your health care provider if symptoms of heart failure or cardiomyopathy develop.

Call your health care provider if alcoholic cardiomyopathy has been diagnosed and symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if severe chest pain, palpitations, or fainting occur in a person with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.