Cocaine Addiction & Heart Diseases
Anyone with cocaine addictionis in danger of developing various heart problems. In fact, the American Heart Association revealed that cocaine use is the cause of 15,000 deaths yearly in the United States.
As a stimulant, cocaine sends the rush or adrenaline to the body, including the heart. This organ takes the pressure leading to rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. An individual may also experience chest pain due to the abrupt stress on the heart.
People with cocaine addiction usually complain chest pain. Almost 40 percent of people who abuse cocaine are admitted in the emergency due to chest pain. Apart from chest pain, cocaine users may also experience speedy heart rate and abnormal rhythms.
Heart Problems Of Most Cocaine Users:
Cocaine has the reputation of the “perfect heart attack drug” because users are at higher risk of experiencing cardiac arrest than those who do not use cocaine.
Cardiomyopathy-It is the dysfunction of the heart muscle that causes enlarged heart ventricles. The walls of the aorta may not be too strong to hold the stress leading to its rupture.
Angina-Irregular cocaine use may cause ischemic chest pain as the arteries narrow and the blood flow decreases. It is usually the start of a Myocardial infarction or heart attack. It can occur to new cocaine users or those with between 19 and 44 years of age.
Cardiac arrhythmia- Most cocaine users have irregular heart rhythms.
Myocarditis-It is the swelling of the heart muscle.
Endocarditis-People abusing cocaine can have inflammation in the inner lining of the heart. It is a fatal condition caused by the infection of a heart valve linked to intravenous routes of cocaine abuse.
Aortic dissection – In rare cases, cocaine causes the bleeding in the wall of the aorta.
Who Are At Risk For Heart Problems?
Anyone with cocaine addiction are in danger of experiencing heart attacks and other heart problems. However, there are certain people who are more likely to experience these problems, including the first-time users; pregnant women; cocaine smokers; and older cocaine users with clogged or abnormal coronary arteries.
Stroke
People abusing cocaine are at greater risk of experiencing strokes. Cocaine places huge strain on the heart, arteries and other organs. The drug can cause damage to the blood vessels in the brain by forming plaques. This triggers the blood vessels to rupture leading to a stroke.
Treatment
People with cocaine addiction and exposed to alcoholism, polydrug use, occurrence of co-occuring disorder and poor nutrition should be evaluated and treated in an inpatient rehab facility. The facility can treat them and help them recover from prolonged cocaine use. Patients who undergo treatment are more likely to experience an improved quality of life far from diseases and other effects of cocaine.
