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Both cocaine and its derivative, crack, are powerful stimulants of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system that runs through the rest of the body, including the heart. Regardless of whether cocaine is snorted, injected, smoked, dissolved on the tongue or taken in various other ways, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to give the user a sudden surge of energy. Cocaine or “coke” is extremely addictive, and animal studies have shown that addicted animals will continue using cocaine, without stopping to eat, until they die. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2002 an estimated 1.5 million Americans could be classified as cocaine dependent.
The heart-related deaths of numerous celebrities who used cocaine have clearly shown its danger. People put themselves at risk by using even one low dose of cocaine, and long-term users are at even greater risk. In addition to a long list of potential problems unrelated to the heart (e.g., seizures), cardiovascular dangers include:
- Overstimulation of the heart, which could result in abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia). These abnormal heart rhythms can be fatal, leading in some cases to sudden cardiac death.
- Narrowing or collapse of the coronary arteries leading to the heart, possibly resulting in a heart attack.
- Narrowing or collapse of the carotid arteries leading to the brain, which could result in a “mini” stroke (transient ischemic attacks) or a full stroke.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced because the left ventricle (one of the two pumping chambers of the heart) is enlarged. This enlargement could be fatal if left untreated.
- Myocarditis (the inflammation of the muscle layer of the heart). Severe symptoms of myocarditis can lead to heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
- Thrombosis (the formation of blood clots, which could lead to heart attack, stroke or an embolism).
- Endocarditis (the inflammation of the innermost layer of the heart’s chambers and valves).
- High blood pressure (hypertension), which puts a greater strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Respiratory problems such as chest pain, rapid breathing and respiratory failure.
Recent research has discovered that cocaine may cause an abnormal buildup of protein and calcium in the heart muscle. This buildup can trigger irregular heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Additional research is being conducted to determine reasons for cardiac hypertrophy occurring with cocaine use.
Furthermore, cocaine increases the risk of aneurysm and aortic dissection, both of which can be fatal. Because of these many associated dangers, heart patients are particularly urged to avoid using cocaine.
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