How Does Cocaine Affect The Heart?

Cardiovascular Dangers & Effects of Cocaine

Cocaine prolongs the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in the body, leading to cardiovascular problems. (4) Cocaine use can also cause stiffness in a crucial blood vessel in the heart, further leading to heart damage. (5)

Cardiovascular concerns associated with cocaine use include:

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac Arrhythmia occurs when an individual has an elevated, slow, or irregular heart rate. (6) Cocaine interferes with the normal functioning of the heart’s electrical system. (7) One of the side effects associated with cocaine use is elevated heart rate. Using cocaine can increase your chances of experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia.

Endocarditis

Compared to other substances, cocaine use has the highest risk of individuals developing endocarditis. (8) Endocarditis is known as an infection of the heart. (9) This can lead to the disruption of blood flow to the heart. Antibiotics are used to treat symptoms of endocarditis.

Symptoms of endocarditis include: (10)

• Fever
• Chills
• Elevated heart rate
• Tiredness
• Sore muscles and joints
• Cough
• Swelling in the abdomen, feet, or legs
• Anemia

Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection occurs when there is a tear in the aorta. (11) The aorta is the body’s main artery. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart through the body. (12) Aortic dissection occurs in 5 to 30 individuals, for every 1 million people. (13) The symptoms associated with an aortic dissection are similar to that of a heart attack. The tear causes blood to rush through different layers of the aorta, making it a very deadly condition. Aortic dissection can cause death within the first 24 to 48 hours. (14) Cocaine use increases hypertension, which in turn increases the risk of developing aortic dissection. (15)

Signs and symptoms of aortic dissection include: (16)

• Sudden chest pain
• Severe stomach ache
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulties with vision
• Difficulties communicating through speech
• Sudden paralysis
• Leg pain and difficulties walking

Myocardial Infarction

A myocardial infarction is what most people know as a heart attack. An individual experiences a heart attack when blood flow to the heart is discontinued or diminished. (17) Blood flow is necessary for the heart to be able to function properly. Blood flow becomes blocked or reduced when the arteries become built up with plaque, cholesterol, or fat. A myocardial infarction can occur suddenly. Cocaine use can damage the heart and surrounding blood vessels, increasing your risk of experiencing a heart attack. A study, including 2,097 participants, found that cocaine use increased the risk of heart attack in both young and low risk individuals. (18) Individuals were also found to be more likely to die after experiencing a heart attack.

Signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction include: (19)

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Lightheadedness.
• Pain in the jaw.
• Pain in the neck.
• Pain in the back.
• Arm and/or shoulder discomfort or pain.
• Difficulties breathing or shortness of breath.

A myocardial infarction is a serious medical condition, and medical attention should be seeked immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is when the blood force pushing your blood vessels is higher than normal, causing the heart to have to work harder. (20) Cocaine can lead to the elevation of blood pressure in the body. Those who are healthy, young, and only use cocaine sporadically, still have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. (21) Cocaine use can also cause stiffness in crucial blood vessels in the heart.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is the most common symptom related to cocaine use, resulting in approximately 57 percent seeking emergency hospital attention due to it. (22) Chest pain following cocaine use can be associated with the following medical conditions: (23)

• Aortic dissection.
• Coronary artery vasospasm.
• Acute coronary syndrome.
• Pulmonary hemorrhage.
• Pneumothorax.
• Pneumomediastinum.