Drug-Induced Heart Disease: Risks & Prevention

Heart disease is commonly linked to eating unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. Lowering cholesterol with a proper diet and exercise can lower the risks of heart disease. Drug abuse, on the other hand, greatly increases the chances of heart related issues. Heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm and stroke are common results of illegal drug use.

• Prescription Drugs

Cigarettes

• According to Quit-smoking-stop.com, smoking accounts for 20 percent of deaths related to heart disease. Nicotine in cigarettes increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Cocaine

• Serum C-reactive protein is found in cocaine which causes cardiac abnormalities.

Ecstasy

• Ecstasy is detrimental to overall health. It interferes with the normal range of body temperature. This can lead to hyperthermia, which can cause cardiovascular system failure.

Heroin

• Heroin is a highly addictive opiate that is processed from morphine. Users develop collapsed veins and infection of the heart lining and valve.

Crystal Meth

• High doses of crystal meth causes a rapid heart beat. Meth injections raise the blood pressure so high that strokes and heart failure may occur.