Amphetamine Abuse Related Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Amphetamine abuse is a global problem. The cardiotoxic manifestations like acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, or arrhythmia related to misuse of amphetamine and its synthetic derivatives have been documented but are rather rare. Amphetamine-related AMI is even rarer. We report two cases of men who came to emergency department (ED) with chest pain, palpitation, or seizure and were subsequently found to have myocardial infarction associated with the use of amphetamines. It is crucial that, with increase in amphetamine abuse, clinicians are aware of this potentially dire complication. Patients with low to intermediate risk for coronary artery disease with atypical presentation may benefit from obtaining detailed substance abuse history and urine drug screen if deemed necessary.

Cardiovascular Complications of Acute Amphetamine Abuse: Cross-sectional study

“…24 Other researchers have reported various arrhythmias associated with the use of amphetamines or other psychoactive drugs, such as QT interval fluctuations, right bundle branch block and ST segment changes, particularly ST segment elevation. [25][26][27][28] Westover et al found a significant relationship between acute myocardial infarction and amphetamine abuse. 29 Moreover, Kaye et al found use of amphetamines to be associated with high pathological cardiac risk; however, this was possibly due to the presence of preexisting chronic disorders and hence not limited to amphetamine use.…”

Adult ADHD Medications and Their Cardiovascular Implications

“…Scrutiny has recently increased, primarily due to marked increase in the use of CNS stimulants among adults [ 6 ]. AMI as well as atrial fibrillation has been previously reported in cases of recreational amphetamine abuse [ 7 ] and also in adolescent ADHD patients on stimulant therapy [ 8 ]. Here, we discuss a rare case of AMI and atrial fibrillation in an adult who was on mixed amphetamine salts and briefly review pertinent literature.…”

Amphetamine-induced small bowel ischemia – A case report

“…Besides amphetamine, methamphetamine and cocaine also induce hypoperfusion due to mesenteric arterial vasoconstriction [2] . The plasma half-life of amphetamine ranges from 5 to 30 hours, depending on urine flow and pH [14 , 15] . Other authors reported delayed bowel necrosis and ischemic colitis associated with amphetamine and methamphetamine abuse [16] , [17] , [18] .…”