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Let’s discuss illicit drug use and the effects on the heart. Illicit drug use like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, they all have significant effects on the heart and can cause problems during its use and later down the line. Illicit drugs can increase heart rate and by doing so, increase the demands on the heart. They can increase the blood pressure of the heart. They can cause hardening of the arteries. They can cause heart attacks. They can cause strokes. Cocaine abuse is the number one most common emergency room visit in relation to heart complications. Patients who use cocaine suffer heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertension. Illicit drug use is often ignored in relation to the risk it has on the heart and the body. If you are using recreational drugs, please be mindful that they are not without risk and they can cause short term and long lasting effects on the heart. It is advisable to discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using illicit drug use in relation to your heart, as well as other organ systems.
