It is an extremely serious condition . The amount, type, pattern of drinking and the person ' s genetics probably affect the onset of cirrhosis. While it used to be believed that people progressed from fatty liver to alcohol hepatitis to cirrhosis, there is plenty of evidence that many people progress from fatty liver straight to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is irreversible . With abstinence, the formation of new scar tissue subsides.
Life expectancy depends upon the extent of the cirrhosis.
It is suggested that those diagnosed with cirrhosis who continue to drink should say good-bye to their friends and write their wills. From the liver, alcohol moves through the portal veins into the heart. Effects on The Heart Alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart muscle tissue. This causes an enlarged heart with weaker contracting muscles. It can cause cardiac arrhythmias - irregular heartbeats.