Habitual and unwarranted drug use can alter a person’s biochemical or metabolic state and cause significant difficulties in one’s ability to function in social and occupational settings. Drug addiction, including the abuse of alcohol, may also worsen existing medical issues and has been linked to a decline in the condition of the heart and blood vessels, generally referred to as cardiovascular disease.
Most hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, and various amphetamines, harm the heart by raising blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes. Young people who would not otherwise be at high risk for heart attacks also become susceptible if they engage in the recreational use of drugs.
Cardiovascular Disease: Definition, Conditions & Complications
The main functions of the heart include:
- Supplying the body’s organs and tissues with oxygenated blood.
- Cleansing the blood of carbon dioxide and waste, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
- Regulating the heart rate and maintaining blood
Cardiovascular diseases are disorders of the tissues of the heart, such as cardiac muscle and blood vessels, that reduce the ability of the heart to perform its normal functions.
Cardiovascular disease is a severe condition because disruption in the flow of oxygen may cause damage to the brain and the tissues of the body resulting in a decline in the general health and longevity of the individual, apart from requiring costly and invasive surgical procedures.
Examples of Cardiovascular Conditions
1. Cardiac arrest (Myocardial Infarction)
A Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly referred to as a heart attack or a cardiac arrest, occurs when a part of the heart is deprived of oxygen. A cardiac arrest may cause a few minutes of chest pain and severe discomfort or seriously damage the heart muscle and others. It may also cause unconsciousness and, in extreme circumstances, death.
2. Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats or the rate at which the heart pumps blood. Blood is pumped around the body by the heart. A common form of this is atrial fibrillation (also known as A-fib), which causes a dysfunction of the electrical signalling of the atrium, one of the heart’s main “chambers.”
Arrhythmia may be asymptomatic, perceived as chest palpitations, or manifest in other ways. Many forms of arrhythmia are not life-threatening, but some can precipitate events that lead to a heart attack.
3. Brain haemorrhages
Also known as cerebral haemorrhage, brain bleeding may be caused by internal or external factors that disrupt blood flow within the brain. Symptoms of brain haemorrhage include severe headaches and may result in neurological disorders or even pulmonary oedema (advanced neurogenic pulmonary oedema, or PNE).
Brain bleeding may lead to a stroke called cerebral vasculopathy (CVC). Depending on the size and location of the interruption of cerebral blood flow, cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs) can reduce functional, cognitive, or sensory abilities.
In most cases, cerebral haemorrhage is associated with increased blood pressure or hypertension, often leading to a heart attack.
4. Arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis refers to the formation of plaques and vessel hardening (sclerosis) along the walls of the arteries. Atheromatous plaques are composed mainly of cholesterol and blood proteins. These proteins, including low-density lipoproteins, facilitate the introduction of cholesterol into the arteries but do not eliminate it.
This condition may be related to consuming unhealthy foods, such as foods rich in certain sugars or fats. Some cases of atherosclerosis are also associated with genetic disorders such as family hypercholesterolemia.
Atherosclerosis can progress to a point where cholesterol plaques almost entirely block an artery causing considerable blood flow disruptions in these vessels. It can result in heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke.
5. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to damaged or irregular myocardium or heart muscle. It causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick, or rigid, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to other parts of the body.
There are various types of cardiomyopathies, including dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Sometimes, the heart rhythm is disturbed, leading to irregular heartbeats. Cardiomyopathy also has been associated with many risk factors, including genetics.
6. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
This condition is the most prevalent kind of heart disease in the U.S. This condition causes the main arteries that supply blood to the heart to become narrowed. The heart’s capacity to pump blood is, therefore, significantly diminished. Coronary artery disease is frequently linked to atherosclerosis and may result in heart attacks and heart failure.
CAD symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and shortness of breath.
7. Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder than usual to maintain a healthy level of blood circulation. Although blood pressure varies depending on the activity an individual engages in, a diagnosis of hypertension may be made if a person continuously has a level of 130/80 mm Hg or greater.
Many cases of hypertension are age-related. However, long-term uncontrolled hypertension raises the risk of stroke.
8. Ischemia
Ischemia is a general term for the detrimental effects of oxygen deprivation on tissues. An ischemia event can impact any vascularized tissue or organ system, including the neurological and gastrointestinal tract.
Myocardial ischemia, also known as cardiac ischemia, is when an atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks the blood supply to the heart muscle.
Suppose the lack of blood from the coronary arteries is severe or lasts more than a few minutes. In that case, myocardial ischemia can result in dangerous irregular heart rhythms and damage the heart muscle.
Ischemia can also develop in the brain due to the obstruction of the blood supply.
9. Peripheral artery disease
This condition is brought on by atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty plaque on the artery walls that transport blood to the legs and feet. The resulting decrease in blood flow can injure nerves and other tissues.
Peripheral artery disease, therefore, resembles coronary artery disease, except that the clogged arteries are farther away from the heart. A bluish (or cyanotic) extremity is a sign of peripheral artery disease, which can also induce pain and discomfort (claudication) in the affected area.
10. Thrombosis
Thrombosis is also a cardiovascular condition caused by an abnormal level of coagulation or blood clotting in the blood vessels. As a result, blood flow is obstructed through the body’s circulatory system.
A common form of this disorder is deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), in which a large clot is formed and migrates to a vein of an extremity which can lead to cyanosis and tissue damage.
Substance Abuse and Cardiovascular Disease
There seems to be a greater risk of cardiovascular disease in some people than in others. Numerous variables, such as different genetic variations and gender, could influence this predisposition. However, the misuse of drugs and alcohol also plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Hence, a detailed discussion is needed on how drugs affect the heart.
Stimulants and opioids are the drugs most frequently linked to cardiovascular disease. They increase the risk of heart conditions by upsetting the equilibrium of specific neurotransmitters, known as catecholamines, in the body and brain and can result in:
- dose-dependent variations in blood pressure
- disruption of the heart’s regular rhythms
- increased blood clotting, and the formation of arterial plaque
- Catastrophic events like heart attacks.
Read on to explore the links between different drugs and cardiovascular disorders.
1. Alcohol Abuse and Cardiovascular Disease
Research from the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial in protecting against heart disease and increasing sensitivity to insulin, among other health benefits.
However, chronic alcoholism and excessive alcohol consumption pose a considerable risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Alcohol can cause high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and weakening and thinning the heart muscle, which affects the organ’s capacity to pump blood.
Other cardiovascular diseases and events linked to alcohol abuse include:
- heart failure
- cardiomyopathy.
- atrial fibrillation, and
- aneurysm.
2. Smoking and Cardiovascular Disorders
Tobacco contained in cigarettes increase the risk of heart diseases. It accounts for 20% of deaths from heart disease in the U.S. Smoking increases mortality from all causes and poses a significant risk for developing peripheral artery disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Women who smoke and use birth control pills are at higher risk of suffering from peripheral vascular disease, store, blood clots, and cardiac arrest.
Additional risks of smoking tobacco include:
- ischemia
- cerebral haemorrhage
These cardiovascular risks are caused by the nicotine and tar content found in cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapies are available to those trying to quit smoking.
3. Illicit Drugs and Cardiovascular Disease
The use of illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and amphetamine is not only a risk factor but also leads to the deterioration and increase in mortality of people with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases.
The Most Common Illegal Drugs
i. Amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up communication between the brain and the rest of the body, causing an increase in alertness and energy. Amphetamines have been used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but have been abused by people to keep them awake and boost performance in physical activity.
This class of drugs is highly addictive and dangerous, and any abuser needs to seek professional help. It can trigger the following cardiovascular disorders:
- Myocardial infarction
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cerebral infarction
ii. Cocaine
Cocaine is a harmful and addictive stimulant drug. It is the illicit drug most likely to cause hospitalization, accounting for 57% of hospitalizations related to recreational drug use.
Cocaine is mainly used recreationally for its euphoric and rewarding effects, including intense happiness and sexual arousal, and agitation. When taken in high doses can increase blood pressure and raise body temperature.
The abuse of cocaine increases infections of the heart muscle and cardiac tissues and can result in the following conditions:
- Endocarditis
- Stroke
- Arrhythmia
- heart attack and heart failure.
iii. Opioids
Opioids include drugs such as heroin, codeine, and morphine. They are frequently used as pain relievers, carrying with side effects such as slowed breathing, drowsiness, nausea, and confusion.
Opioids are highly addictive, and their use is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including:
- stroke
- heart attack
- atherosclerosis
iv. Steroids
Steroids are artificial hormones designed to reduce inflammation. They are commonly abused as performance-enhancing drugs, although they may cause hormonal imbalances in the body. They include testosterone is associated with a higher risk of numerous cardiovascular diseases, including:
- variations in blood pressure
- deteriorations of heart muscle tissue
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Cardiomyopathy
v. Marijuana
Marijuana or Cannabis has depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogenic properties and is the most widely used drug in workplaces. Artists also use it for creative purposes. However, it is addictive and may pose a risk of cardiovascular disease.
Marijuana smoking can increase heart rate at rest, enlarge blood vessels, and intensify the heart’s contractions. Heart disease, stroke, and other vascular illnesses are, therefore, at higher risk of occurring with marijuana use.
Frequent marijuana use is linked to more significant risks of:
- coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction,
- stroke,
- acute coronary syndrome.
Managing Drug Abuse and Cardiovascular Disorders
People at a high risk of developing heart-related disorders need guidance and education about the effects of drug usage on the heart and blood vessels. Trained medical personnel can provide this information during cardiovascular disease screening programs or drug tests.
Nonetheless, detecting substance abuse when there are underlying diseases poses a great challenge as it can secretly coexist with other medical conditions. This increases susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases, thus requiring trained health professionals to identify a link between the two. As demonstrated above, the combination of both can result in severe complications.
To manage drug abuse issues, it is necessary to provide education and appropriate treatment, including counselling to those afflicted by the scourge and high-risk groups.
Treatment for drug addiction may be offered at outpatient clinics, private facilities, rehab clinics, or community healthcare clinics, depending on the state or country in question.
Help from skilled healthcare specialists who specialize in either (a heart doctor or substance abuse disorder specialist) can be of the utmost advantage in managing cardiovascular disorders and substance abuse.
