How does substance abuse affect the cardiovascular system?

Most illicit drugs can cause cardiac problems, ranging from heart palpitations to heart attacks. Injecting illegal narcotics can also cause cardiovascular issues including blocked veins and bacterial infections in the blood arteries and heart valves. Cocaine, heroin, and other forms of amphetamine can influence the central nervous system and can change a user's consciousness. The following are some of the adverse effects and hazards connected with the use of these medicines, in addition to addiction:

·         Temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure fluctuations

·         Headaches, nausea, and stomach discomfort

·         Poor judgement and a higher chance of contracting some sexually transmitted illnesses

·         The presence of contaminants (such as talc, toxins, herbicides, or other particles) that might induce a hazardous response

·         Heart attacks, migraines, and respiratory arrest are all possible outcomes.

Cocaine powder is breathed through the nose (snorted) and absorbed through nasal mucosa, or it is dissolved in water and injected directly into the circulation. Crack is a type of cocaine that has been refined into a crystalline rock that may be smoked. Even "recreative" cocaine users may have higher blood pressure, stiffer arteries, and thicker heart muscle walls than non-users, all of which can lead to a heart attack. Stimulants and opioid medicines are the most prevalent substances linked to cardiovascular disease. By disrupting the proportion of specific neurotransmitters called catecholamines in the body and brain, they may raise the risk of vascular or cardiac diseases.

Depending on the dosage and the presence of underlying cardiovascular illness, sympathetic activation can cause various degrees of tachycardia, vasoconstriction, and unexpected blood pressure effects. Acute cardiac depression (due to ischaemia or a direct toxic effect of the drug) can develop as a result of a relative catecholamine depletion condition, paradoxical central nervous system suppression (amphetamine), or acute myocardial depression (due to ischaemia or a direct toxic action of the medication). Myocardial ischaemia and infarction may be associated with increases in oxygen demand, coronary artery spasm, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation due to elevated catecholamine levels. Endothelial damage, coronary artery dissection, and atherosclerosis can be caused by repeated bouts of coronary artery spasm and hypertension paroxysms. Aortic dissection or valve damage can occur as a result of paroxysmal elevations in blood pressure, raising the risk of endocarditis.


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