Perioperative detection of alcoholic cardiomyopathy: cases and recommendations

A high intake of alcohol is associated with cancers of the head and neck1 and the development of alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which increases the risk of perioperative morbidity and death from damage to the heart. Excessive consumption (acute or chronic) can cause cardiac arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and extrasystoles, with incidences as high as 18%–33%. Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings include non-specific ST changes and left bundle branch block.

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