disease of CARDIAC MUSCLE resulting from chronic excessive alcohol consumption. Myocardial damage can be caused by: (1) a toxic effect of alcohol; (2) malnutrition in alcoholics such as thiamine deficiency; or (3) toxic effect of additives in alcoholic beverages such as cobalt. This disease is usually manifested by dyspnea and palpitations with cardiomegaly and congestive heart failure (heart failure).