Alcohol and Heart Disease in the Forensic Setting. Issue 2 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cunningham, Kristopher S.
• Is Part Of: Academic forensic pathology. Volume 4:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Forensic pathology -- Alcohol -- Ethanol -- Dilated cardiomyopathy -- Withdrawal -- Arrhythmia; Forensic pathology -- Periodicals; Forensic pathology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.23907/2014.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1925-3621

Abstract

The impacts of chronic high levels of ethanol consumption on cardiovascular structure and function are reviewed as they pertain to forensic pathology practice. Both hypertrophy and remodeling of the myocardium as well as physiological revision of electrical conduction through the heart can occur in a progressive fashion. A discussion about the likely underappreciated spectrum of structural heart disease that may be seen in individuals with chronic alcohol dependence is presented. Finally, brief reference to the collision between alcohol, cardiovascular disease, and forensically relevant scenarios is provided.