1 in 10 ICU patients with heart issues have illicit drugs in their system.

1 in 10 ICU patients with heart issues have illicit drugs in their system.

The Impact of Recreational Drug Use on Heart Health: A French Study

heart disease

More than 1 out of every 10 patients admitted to an intensive cardiac care unit (ICU) for a potentially deadly heart emergency test positive for recreational drug use, according to a new French study1. The study revealed that approximately 11% of nearly 1,500 patients admitted to a French ICU for a heart crisis had tested positive for drugs such as cannabis, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances2.

Interestingly, drug use was even more prevalent in younger heart patients, with 1 out of 3 patients under the age of 40 testing positive for recreational drugs3. Although the study couldn’t definitively establish whether drug use caused these patients’ heart problems, it is well-known that drugs can have negative effects on cardiovascular health4.

What the Study Found:

The researchers observed that drug use was associated with significantly poorer outcomes for heart patients in critical condition5. In fact, drug users were found to be nine times more likely to die or require emergency intervention while in the hospital, compared to other heart patients6. This likelihood increased to 12 times if the patient was using more than one drug7.

Dr. Carlos Alviar, a cardiologist with NYU Langone Health, comments on the significance of the study’s findings, stating, “Overall, the use of substances acted as a predictor of worse outcomes… People who presented with a positive drug test turned out to have more complicated courses. They tend to have more cardiac arrests and tend to have higher mortality”8.

The Most Common Substances Detected:

The study revealed that cannabis was the most frequently detected substance, with 9% of patients testing positive for its use9. Opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy were also detected, though to a lesser extent10.

The Consequences of Drug Use for Heart Health:

While in the hospital, approximately 13% of patients with drugs in their system either died or required emergency intervention, such as cardiac arrest, compared to only 3% of non-users11.

One of the most alarming findings from the study was the fact that only 57% of patients with positive drug tests admitted to using drugs when discussing their condition with their doctors12. This highlights the need for patients to be honest and open with their healthcare providers, as some medications used to treat dangerous heart conditions can interact negatively with illicit drugs, potentially increasing the risk of death13.

Possible Mechanisms of Harmful Drug Effects:

Although this observational study could not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between drug use and heart health, previous research has indicated that certain drugs can have detrimental effects on the circulatory system14. For example, smoking strong marijuana can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, while cocaine can cause blood pressure to surge. Methamphetamine use can lead to a fast or irregular heart rhythm15.

The Relationship Between Drug Use and Risk Factors:

On the other hand, the study also found a correlation between recreational drug use and other risk factors, such as smoking16. Smokers are more likely to use cocaine, and when these two factors are combined, the risk of developing severe heart disease dramatically increases17.

Screening for Recreational Drug Use:

An editorial accompanying the study highlights that the research “has not provided evidence which justifies screening for recreational drug use” as a standard part of caring for critical heart patients18. However, certain situations, such as when patients are incoherent upon admission, may call for screening in order to address the medical situation19.

Conclusion:

The French study sheds light on the impact of recreational drug use on heart health, particularly in critically ill patients. While the study couldn’t establish a definite cause-and-effect relationship, it underscores the need for patients to disclose their drug use to healthcare providers and for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential interactions between illicit drugs and heart medications. Understanding the potential risks associated with drug use can help optimize patient care, leading to better outcomes for heart patients.

Bibliography:


  1. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  2. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  3. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  4. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  5. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  6. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  7. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  8. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  9. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  10. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  11. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  12. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  13. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  14. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  15. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  16. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  17. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  18. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎

  19. Thompson, D. (2023, August 15). Over 1 in 10 Critical Heart Patients Test Positive for Recreational Drugs: Study. HealthDay. /1-in-10-critically-ill-heart-patients-test-positive-for-recreational-drugs-study-2654856355.html↩︎